Five US Soldiers Killed in Iraq Suicide Bombing

After a lull in casualties in Iraq, the US military lost five troops today to a suicide truck bombing in Mosul.

The attacker breached the outer security barrier of the Iraqi National Police headquarters in the southern part of the city, killing the troops, two Iraqi policemen, and an Iraqi soldier. About 60 others were wounded.

In contrast to declining violence in the rest of Iraq, Mosul, 260 miles north of Baghdad, has seen continuing hostilities between rival groups. Today's attack is likely to buttress the case, being made by the commander of US troops in Iraq, General Raymond Odierno, for a retention of American forces in the city after the July deadline for withdrawal.

Video and Transcript: President Obama in Iraq

UPDATED: Obama Talks with Iraq Prime Minister

Barack Obama made a "surprise" visit to Iraq today after his tour of Europe. The trip seems to be more of a publicity set-piece, with the President "confined" to Camp Victory because weather conditions made it impossible to take a helicopter into central Baghdad. Obama did have a discussion with General Raymond Odierno, the commander of US forces in Iraq, before speaking to American troops. Obama's advisors also said the President would be meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki at the US base.



OBAMA: This is going to be a critical period, these next 18 months.

I was just discussing this with your commander, but I think it's something that all of you know. It is time for us to transition to the Iraqis. (Applause.) They need to take responsibility for their country and for their sovereignty. (Applause.) And in order for them to do that, they have got to make political accommodations. They're going to have to decide that they want to resolve their differences through constitutional means and legal means. They are going to have to focus on providing government services that encourage confidence among their citizens. All those things they have to do. We can't do it for them. But what we can do is make sure that we are a stalwart partner....

And so just as we thank you for what you've already accomplished, I want to say thank you because you will be critical in terms of us being able to make sure that Iraq is stable, that it is not a safe haven for terrorists, that it is a good neighbor and a good ally, and we can start bringing our folks home. ... The last point I want to make is I know how hard it's been on a lot of you. You've been away from your families, many of you for multiple rotations. You've seen buddies of yours injured and you remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

AUDIENCE: Ooh-ah.

OBAMA: There are probably some people here who have seen children born and have been missing watching them grow up. There are many of you who have listened to your spouse and the extraordinary sacrifices that they have to make when you're gone.

And so I want you to know that Michelle and myself are doing everything -- (applause) -- are doing everything we can to provide additional support for military families. The federal budget that I have introduced increases support for military families. We are going to do everything required to make sure that the commitment we make to our veterans is met, and that people don't have to fight for what they have earned as a consequence of their service.

The main point I want to make is we have not forgotten what you have already done, we are grateful for what you will do, and as long as I am in the White House, you are going to get the support that you need and the thanks that you deserve from a grateful nation.