The White House said on Friday that President George W. Bush had been saddened by the death of 10 US marines in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq.
"We are saddened by the loss of lives, whether it is one soldier who loses his or her life or 10 or 11," said spokesman Scott McClellan in the first White House reaction to the attack on Thursday near the Iraqi city of Fallujah.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families, their loved ones. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice," the spokesman added.
McClellan said that Bush had been informed of the attack on Thursday and briefed again on Friday.