The commander of US ground forces in Iraq says the country is becoming a magnet for US terrorists targeting Americans.
Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, whose troops usually blame the attacks on diehard Saddam loyalists, said the sophistication of the raids had increased over the past 30 days.
"This is what I would call a terrorist magnet where America, being present here in Iraq, creates a target of opportunity if you will," Lieutenant Sanchez told CNN.
But Iraqis say there is widespread discontent at what people see as a failure by US-led forces to provide water, electricity and other services after the war.
Washington hopes attacks on its troops will be stemmed if the former Iraqi leader and his top aides are either killed or captured. US officials believe they will get more co-operation from Iraqis, many of whom fear Saddam's brutal rule could return until they know he is dead.
Guerrilla-style attacks on US forces have killed 49 soldiers in Iraq since US President George W. Bush declared the war over on May 1st.