US to target anti-Iraq activity

Washington: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has warned that action will be taken by the US against any country attempting to destabilise Iraq.

Rice's statement comes after President George W. Bush said the US would take a tough stance towards Iran and Syria, who have been accused of destabilising Iraq.

Rice said, Iran and Syria should "end their destabilising behaviour" in the region.

She added, "The United States will defend its interests and those of our friends and allies in this vital region."

The statement comes hours after US forces stormed an Iranian consulate in the northern Iraqi town of Irbil on Thursday, taking away computers and papers.