Violence left 174 dead, wounded in Iraq in October: UN
Security forces search a car following a shooting attack in Baghdad
Baghdad (IraqiNew.com) Violence left 174 Iraqis dead and wounded throughout the month of October, the United Nations said early Friday as the country struggles to recover from four years of Islamic State militancy.
According to a monthly toll released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), 69 Iraqis died and 105 were injured during October in actions of violence and armed conflict.
UNAMI said its numbers continue to exclude military personnel, but still include off-duty security and military members, as well as civil defense and public utility sentries.
It quoted the head of the UN mission, Jan Kubis, saying that the toll, though regrettable, is the lowest since October 2012, which gives a positive sign that the country moves out the circle of violence.
UNAMI said Nineveh and Baghdad, respectively, were the most affect with 29 deaths.
Iraq declared victory over Islamic State militants late 2017, ending three years of war to retake territories occupied by the extremist group. But the militants continue to stage occasional attacks against security members and civilians.