The US military death toll in Iraq for October hit 100 yesterday just a week ahead of mid-term elections that could see Republicans lose control of Congress.

The wave of sectarian violence has plagued White House efforts to shore up support for the war ahead of next Tuesday’s congressional elections, which are largely seen as a referendum on the conflict. A recent Newsweek poll found that 61 per cent of Americans believe the Bush administration should set a timetable to withdraw forces from Iraq.