2008: Lowest U.S. deaths in Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: U.S. deaths in Iraq in 2008 were at their lowest level since the 2003 invasion of the country. A total of 314 U.S. troops were announced dead in the past year, out of 4,221 soldiers who have been killed since the beginning of military operations in Iraq. In 2003, 486 servicemen were killed. Casualty figures in the year 2004, 2005 and 2006 were particularly high: 849, 846 and 822 respectively. The highest number of U.S. casualties was in 2007, where 904 soldiers were announced dead. Fourteen soldiers died in December 2008, including two announced dead by the U.S. army yesterday. Seventeen U.S. troops died in November, 10 of them of non-combat causes, while 14 soldiers died in October, including seven of non-combat related causes. Other 25 soldiers were killed in September 2008, in addition to 13 troops who were announced dead in July, the month with the lowest U.S. deaths. November 2004, which witnessed fierce battles between U.S. forces and armed groups in Falluja city, Anbar province, remains the month that saw the highest U.S. death toll with 137. April 2004 comes second with 135, followed by May 2007 during which 126 U.S. soldiers were killed. SS (S) 1