High US death toll in Iraq

American military deaths in Iraq last month were the highest monthly total since January, and US officials predict escalating insurgent violence before the constitutional referendum in October.

At least 84 United States troops were killed in August, according to a count of deaths announced by the military.

Since the US-led invasion in March 2003, there have been 1879 American military deaths in Iraq, the Pentagon said, with another 14,265 troops wounded.