Iraq violence in April worst ever: Officials

Baghdad: Violence in Iraq in April was around its highest level since 2008, official and UN figures showed Thursday, a day after the country`s first parliamentary election since US troops withdrew.

Government figures compiled by the ministries of health, interior and defence put the toll of people killed in April at 1,009 -- 881 civilians, 52 policemen and 76 soldiers. The United Nations gave an overall toll of 750 dead, but not including those who were killed in the western province of Anbar where anti-government fighters have battled security forces since the beginning of the year. An AFP tally based on reports from security and medical officials showed that 795 people were killed in attacks and clashes. All the tolls indicated that April was among the bloodiest month since Iraq was embroiled in a brutal Sunni-Shiite sectarian war in 2006 and 2007 that left tens of thousands dead. The government figures said a total of 1,375 people were also wounded in April. In the chaotic aftermath of bombings and attacks, different sources often give different tolls. The latest figures come a day after a parliamentary election was held across Iraq, with the exception of parts of Anbar province, in the first national polls since US forces withdrew in late 2011. The government has been criticised for underplaying the level of violence in public statements.