Bush said in a major speech at the Army War College here that "given the recent increase in violence, we will maintain our troop level at the current 138,000 as long as necessary."

Defence planners had previously expected to need a maximum of 115,000 troops in Iraq at this stage of the campaign and to be sending many US forces home.

Bush said the head of US Central Command General John Abizaid and other commanders in Iraq "are constantly assessing the level of troops they need to fulfill the mission. If they need more troops, I will send them."

The 1st Armoured Division and the 2nd Light Cavalry Regiment will carry out extended duties.

Bush said the job of US forces in Iraq was "demanding and dangerous".

"Our nation appreciates their hard work and sacrifice, and they can know that they will be heading home soon," he said.

WAR.WIRE