US and Iraqi forces have punched to the heart of Falluja, consolidating positions in Iraq’s most rebellious city after a day of fierce combat.

While bursts of gunfire could still be heard in some districts, residents said the sound of heavy bombardments and explosions eased off around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday (1:15 p.m. British time) after a night and day of intense fighting between US-led forces and rebels.