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May Iraq Death Toll Lowest in 4 Years

By Kate Rockwood, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 1, 2008 8:05 AM CDT

(Newser) – The death toll in Iraq plunged in May, with 21 US military dead the lowest monthly figure in more than 4 years. Iraqi civilians and troopers also saw a decline, with 532 deaths in May, compared with 1,080 the month before. But in the absence of lasting political agreements, many fear this signals a breathing spell in violence rather than the start of a longer trend.

Despite a May 11 truce that staunched weeks of bloody fighting in Baghdad, tensions remain high, the AP reports. Earlier this week, talks broke down again over returning Sunnis to the government. Still, Iraqi troops have taken the lead in three recent offensives against al-Qaeda and by July all five of the U.S. “surge brigades” rushed to Iraq should be back home, officials say.

The "troop surges" that entered Iraq to help broker peace should be home by July, U.S. officials say. (Getty Images)

At least 21 U.S. military troopers were killed in May, the second-lowest month in the history of the Iraq war. (Getty Images)

Staff Sgt. Roy Kennedy stands vigil over the casket of Capt. Russell Rippetoe at Arlington National Cemetery. Rippetoe was killed in Iraq. (KRT Photos)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • military • troop surge • Iraq death toll • death toll • Iraq violence • Iraq exit strategy • al-Qaeda in Iraq • military presence

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

With US Gone, Iraq Explodes

Violence rampant thanks to political crisis

Iraq Will Make or Break My Campaign: McCain

Says he'll lose if surge fails—then back pedals

2007 Becomes Bloodiest Year for US Troops in Iraq

As surge puts more personnel on the ground, death toll climbs to 852

Iraqi Christians Cancel Christmas

Al-Qaeda threatens more violence against the beleaguered minority

15K Civilian Deaths Unreported in Iraq

Military logs show US did keep track

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?