LDT: "An upsurge in violence"


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Length: 1:07


LOU DOBBS: 2,690 of our troops have been killed since the beginning of the war.

A top U.S. general today acknowledged that Al Qaeda attacks against our troops in Iraq are rising. The general's blunt admission is another indication that the war in Iraq is worsening. And the Iraqi government is failing to take over security responsibilities from our troops. Michael Ware reports now from Baghdad -- Michael.

MICHAEL WARE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Lou, there's been an upsurge in Al Qaeda violence here in Iraq according to U.S. Major General William Caldwell.

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MAJ. GEN. WILLIAM CALDWELL, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE- IRAQ: Al Qaeda in Iraq insurgents and death squads have recently increased their attacks with the primary are being focused in the Baghdad area.

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WARE: All this before the holy month of Ramadan, expected within days. a period traditionally of increased insurgent activity, known as the Ramadan offensive. All this as the American commander for forces in this region said he expected current troop levels -- more than 140,000 U.S. servicemen and women -- to remain in Iraq until at least spring next year -- Lou.

DOBBS: Michael Ware reporting from Baghdad.