The announcement on the coalition's Baghdad radio station did not give specific details on locations but warned the Iraqi people that continued use of the mosques could lead to their destruction.

"These attacks are not only harming coalition troops but also innocent Iraqis who are sometimes killed as a result," the radio bulletin said.

"Those hiding arms and using mosques to commit armed attacks are violating the sanctity of these holy places and risk being responsible for their destruction" in the ensuing battles, it said.

"Such violent actions directed from places of worship is in contradiction with their holy status and should be condemned."

On Sunday, two US soldiers were injured and two Iraqis killed in a grenade attack on a US armoured vehicle outside a Baghdad mosque.

The coalition has repeatedly said it means no harm to Muslim sites, which could exacerbate the tension in post-war Iraq, and its troops have largely stayed away from the centre of holy cities such as Najaf and Karbala.

But it has also insisted that many anti-US attacks have been conducted from mosques.

In Fallujah, west of Baghdad, US troops were ambushed on May 22 which the coalition said begqn with grenade fire from a nearby mosque. Local residents denied the charge.

"Coalition forces recognise the sacred character of these places but that does not mean criminals may use them to carry out attacks," the radio said.