Instability in Iraq -- where there are near-daily attacks on US soldiers -- was one of the key reasons for the extension, a Pentagon official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Some soldiers from this elite army division have already returned to the United States.

But US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the commander of US forces in Iraq, General John Abizaid, intend to bring the remaining troops home between now and the fall, replacing them with other US troops and soldiers from other nations, the military officials said.

"Families are understandably eager to have them home," one of the officials said, adding: "We are proud of their sacrifice."

At its peak, the 3rd Infantry Division had nearly 20,000 troops in Iraq. About 16,000 are still in the country, according to Corporal Randy Litwin, a spokesman for the division at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

At least 32 soldiers have been killed in attacks since the United States declared an end to its war on Iraq on May 1. Since then, unknown assailants, thought to be followers of Saddam Hussein, have waged a deadly revolt.

More than 147,000 US soldiers are now in Iraq, along with some 13,000 foreign soldiers, mainly from Britain, the Pentagon said.

"We have sufficient troops in Iraq to create a safe and secure environment," one of the officials declared.

WAR.WIRE