The big jump in wounded from 155 on Tuesday was due to improved procedures for reporting those casualties, said Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Cynthia Colin, a Pentagon spokeswoman.

She said 86 military personnel have been killed in combat and 15 in accidents.

The number of missing US troops rose to 11 with the addition to the list of a Marine who disappeared near An Nasiriyah on March 23.

Seven US military personnel are being held as prisoners of war.

SPACE.WIRE