Soldiers killed, Bush vows no retreat

The total number of American soldiers who have died in Iraq since the start of May now exceeds the number who lost their lives during the invasion and occupation in March and April.

But Bush says efforts to secure Iraq will continue. ‘‘Retreat in the face of terror would only invite further and bolder attacks. There will be no retreat,’’ he said on Tuesday amid growing criticism in the United States of his Iraq policy as he presses his case for re-election next year.

‘‘Terrorists are gathering in Iraq to undermine the advance of freedom. And the more progress we make in Iraq, the more desperate the terrorists will become.’’

Meanwhile, thousands of troops from the 4th Infantry Division, based in Tikrit, have launched a new operation to root out resistance in hostile Sunni Muslim territory north of Baghdad. Officers say Operation Ivy Needle will deprive Saddam and his top lieutenants of places to hide.

‘‘That is our goal. After this, it is going to be difficult for him to hide, for his support network to operate properly,’’ spokeswoman Major Josslyn Aberle said in Tikrit.

The operation began on Tuesday when 24 suspected members of a criminal gang accused of attacking US forces were arrested. (Reuters)