U.S. troop deaths in Iraq rise

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) - The number of U.S. troops to die so far in April has surpassed the number in March, the lowest of the war, according to figures compiled from the Pentagon.

A powerful roadside bombing Monday on a convoy in Karbala, the Shiite holy city south of Baghdad, has brought the number of deaths to 10 this month, eight in combat. In March, nine troops were killed, four in combat.

The uptick reflects the military's persistent caution that despite the drop in violence in Iraq, the situation in the war-torn country remains fragile.

On Sunday, Brig. Gen. Ray Odierno told CNN's "State of the Union" that "overall, violence remains at 2003 lows. However, as you have seen over the last week or so, there are still some elements here that are able still to conduct some very serious attacks."