The fighter jets flying from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington "delivered three bombs in close air support of marines on the ground in Fallujah," Lieutenant Commander Cappy Surette said.

"The jets are still in the area, still providing close air support where needed as well as reconaissance," he said.

Navy fighters on Wednesday dropped 13 500-pound bombs in a day of fierce air attack on insurgent positions in the city. An AC-130 gunship armed with a howitzer and Cobra attack helicopters also were used in Wednesday's actions.

The bombings Thursday followed news that the marines were preparing to withdraw from positions inside the city and turning them over an Iraqi security force.

Pentagon officials described the move as a "repositioning" of forces and not an agreement to lift a bloody, three week siege of the city.

WAR.WIRE