Baghdad - Dozens of Iraqi prisoners rioted against guards in the United States-run Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad and pelted them with stones, the American military said on Tuesday.

The incident started when one prisoner tried to escape under cover of darkness on Sunday night, aided by a violent sandstorm.

The escapee was recaptured by guards, the army said, "after which prisoners in various parts of the prison started to throw stones onto portable light generators and at prison guards".

A rapid response unit brought the situation under control. Four guards and six prisoners were slightly injured during the riot.

Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein tortured and executed political prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison.

More than a year ago, the facility hit the headlines when photographs documented the abuse of Iraqi soldiers by the US military in the prison.

Several soldiers have since been convicted for the abuse.

It is believed that the US army is currently holding some 3 500 people at Abu Ghraib.

Some of the prisoners are staying in tents despite the heat of the Iraqi summer. - Sapa-dpa