Scores are feared dead Iraq strike

More than 100 Iraqis were killed or wounded in a terrorist attack today as British troops prepared to move into more dangerous areas.

The victims - members of the Iraqi National Guard, which is meant to take over security from the US-British coalition - were hit by mortars in their headquarters 25 miles north of Baghdad.

US Blackhawk helicopters evacuated the injured after what was thought to be the worst casualty figures for a single attack since the end of the war to topple Saddam Hussein-The incident took place away from the area where some 650 British troops are expected to be deployed under US command near Baghdad.

But it came amid mounting political unrest over the decision to send the Black Watch battalion, which has been held in reserve to assist in case of attacks in the British sector around Basra. Downing Street said the attack underlined the case for sending reinforcements. "We have always said this period was going to be difficult because those who are against democracy know this is the time to try to stop the election," said the Prime Minister's official spokesman. "That's why it's important to do everything we can to help these elections take place."

Earlier, Tory leader Michael Howard piled fresh pressure on the Government by hinting the Tories would refuse to support the deployment unless given a "compelling reason" why troops should be put in extra danger. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw confirmed the Government was "very sympathetic" to the US request, although he said a decision would not be taken until the end of the week.

He claimed success in the planned operation - a dangerous US mission to seize control of renegade strongholds in Fallujah - could help British and US forces leave Iraq "sooner rather than later".

He insisted it was still possible for the Government to say no to the US request but he admitted that Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon had been right when he indicated to MPs the Government "was moving to saying yes".

Mr Straw dismissed as "untrue" reports that the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Michael Walker, was opposing the plans.