LTG SANCHEZ'S VIEW

Lieutenant-General Ricardo Sanchez dismissed the spiralling violence as "a strategically and operationally insignificant surge of attacks".

"There is stability and security across great parts of this country," Sanchez told a Baghdad news conference held amid tight security in the coalition's fortified compound.

He acknowledged there have been "obstacles" in the coalition's efforts to restore stability to the country and "many of these obstacles have been tragic."

"Undoubtedly, as we continue to fight this low intensity conflict, there will be more obstacles, more setbacks, more tragedies in the future."

He said those conducting the attacks were watching to see how the coalition reacts to the setbacks "in order to see if we are ready and willing to make the sacrifices that are necessary to live up to our commitments".

"There is absolutely no question that America and the coalition will persevere," he said, adding: "We are winning the global war against terrorism, and I remain absolutely convinced that we are also winning in this country."

He claimed the "enemy forces" have shifted their tactics from attacks on coalition troops to increased strikes "against domestic and international institutions they see as key to advancing the development of the country."