Baghdad: The number of people killed across
Iraq in December was 367 and the civilian death toll in 2009
was 2,800, making the year the least violent since the US-led
invasion of 2003, officials said today.
According to figures from the defence, interior and
health ministries, 306 civilians, 48 police officers and 13
soldiers were killed last month. In addition, 48 insurgents
were killed and another 635 arrested. The figures put the
number of wounded during the month at 1,288.
December`s toll was three times higher than the previous
month, which was the least violent since 2003 with 122 killed.
According to figures, the total number of
civilians killed in 2009 was 2,800. Despite a series of
massive attacks targeting government buildings in Baghdad, it
was still the least violent year since 2003.
The tolls, according to the authorities, are well below
figures published today by Iraq Body Count, the body which
tracks the number of civilians killed as a result of violence.
In a report, it said violence fell dramatically in 2009
but added that improvements in security appear to have
levelled off and insurgents have shifted tactics to
larger-scale bombings.
The British-based group said that overall, 4,497
civilians were killed as a result of violence until December
16, less than half of 2008`s total of 9,226.
Last year also saw the lowest toll among US personnel
since the invasion, with 150 deaths as against 314 in 2008 and
904 in 2007. A total of 4,371 American soldiers have died in
Iraq since 2003, according to count by a news agency.
PTI
