US President George W Bush has responded to the deaths of 14 American marines in a single attack in Iraq by reiterating that he will not set a timetable for the withdrawal of US forces.
The latest incident brings the number of US marines killed in Iraq this week to 21.
Mr Bush said the roadside bomb near the town of Haditha was a reminder that America was at war with a ruthless enemy.
Speaking at a function in Dallas, President Bush said those US servicemen and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan 'died in a noble cause and a selfless cause'.
'Their families can know that American citizens pray for them. And the families can know that we will honour their loved one's sacrifice by completing the mission, by laying the foundations for peace for generations to come,' he said.
The US President said his 'strategy for success in Iraq' is to hunt down insurgents, train Iraqis to provide for their own security, and help Iraqi politicians to write a constitution and prepare for elections.
