US General Petraeus hands over command of Iraqi forces to General Odierno

Baghdad: United States General David Petraeus handed over command of US-led forces in Iraq to General Ray Odierno in a ceremony on Tuesday.

The handing over ceremony was presided by US Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

Odierno now has the task of ensuring security in the region, especially as US troops cuts come into play.

Although violence has been low recently, militants have stepped up frequent suicide attacks and car bombings.

Odierno served as the number 2 US commander in Iraq for 15 months until February.

Petraeus will now head the US Central Command, the headquarters overseeing operations in the Middle East and beyond, including the war in Afghanistan.