Rise in US death toll seen as sign extremists in Iraq are regrouping

BAGHDAD -- Four more US troops and a British soldier have died in attacks, military officials said yesterday, in a possible sign that extremists are regrouping after a drop in American deaths last month.

The spate of recent US deaths -- 19 so far in August -- seems certain to intensify the debate over US progress to calm Iraq and gain ground against militants ahead of a key September report to Congress.

US deaths had dropped slightly in July to 79 -- the lowest monthly tally since 70 were killed in November. More than 100 American forces died each month in the April-to-June period as the US military struck out at insurgents on dangerous streets and cities across Iraq.

But US commanders say rogue Shi'ite militias have stepped into the gap left as Sunni insurgents have been pushed back, and are now responsible for most attacks on Americans in Baghdad and surrounding districts. Such a trend would elevate fears that Iraqi forces are not able to maintain security even when insurgents are beaten back. Large numbers of Iraqi police are believed also to hold allegiances to Shi'ite militia groups.

The spike in deaths comes as the overall number of US troops in Iraq has temporarily peaked -- nearly 162,000 -- as new units arrive to replace those on the way out, the Pentagon said.

US officials also have warned that militants might try for spectacular attacks before the September report -- expected to be a high-level military and diplomatic assessment on US strategies in Iraq and what's needed in the months ahead.

Leery of that, Baghdad officials tightened checkpoints and announced plans for curfews and vehicle bans ahead of a mass Shi'ite religious march planned in the capital later this week. Thousands of Shi'ite pilgrims -- women shrouded in black cloaks and men in traditional white Arab robes -- began walking from the country's south and gathering from elsewhere for the march.

Shi'ite pilgrimages often have been the target of devastating attacks by Sunni insurgents. But some of the devout, like Sami Faraj, a 52-year-old government employee, said they would march nevertheless.

"We do not care about the bombings and the terrorists. We are ready to sacrifice ourselves for the cause and for the sake of the prophet's descendants," Faraj said.

The showing of Shiite strength finds Iraq in the middle of a severe political crisis. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faced new defections from mostly Sunni politicians this week in his unity government.

The political crisis has halted efforts at progress on key benchmarks the United States sought before the September report, including laws to share oil revenue and reform police and security services.

The recent attacks against US forces included two powerful roadside bombs that left multiple soldiers dead and wounded -- three soldiers died Saturday south of Baghdad and four were killed Monday in a blast that also wounded 11 in restive Diyala province north of the capital, where Sunni insurgents remain active.