WTNH.com - US commander praises Iraqi fighters

Batiste On Samarra:

The Major General speaks, along with his Iraqi counterpart:

Batiste also tells CNN he's been pleased with the performance of Iraqi troops there.

The Iraqi forces have done poorly in past battles, but Batiste says they're getting better training and equipment. And he says they handled themselves well in Samarra.

Iraq's defense minister says the fighting is largely over -- and that Iraqi troops handled the bulk of the two-day offensive, and U-S troops only provided cover.