Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

US Troop Deaths at New Low

Fewest troops killed since Iraq war began

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2008 2:09 AM CST

(Newser) – The US military lost 467 service members in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2008, the lowest annual death toll since the Iraq war began in 2003, reports USA Today. But the coming year could be more challenging. Up to 30,000 extra troops are being sent to Afghanistan and upcoming elections are bound to be a flashpoint in Iraq.

Al-Qaeda "will attempt to create violence and uncertainty" in the Iraqi population, said a US commander. "The next 60 days are a critical period."

US soldiers take cover from snipers in Baghdad. Fewer soldiers were killed in 2008 in Iraq and Afghanistan than in any of the last five years.
US soldiers take cover from snipers in Baghdad. Fewer soldiers were killed in 2008 in Iraq and Afghanistan than in any of the last five years.   (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
A US soldier is silhouetted against the sun in Baghdad. Fewer soldiers were killed in 2008 in Iraq and Afghanistan than in any of the last five years.
A US soldier is silhouetted against the sun in Baghdad. Fewer soldiers were killed in 2008 in Iraq and Afghanistan than in any of the last five years.   (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
US Marines search a house in Afghanistan. Fewer soldiers were killed in 2008 in Iraq and Afghanistan than in any of the last five years.
US Marines search a house in Afghanistan. Fewer soldiers were killed in 2008 in Iraq and Afghanistan than in any of the last five years.   (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

US deaths in Iraq down 66%
CNN

Was 2008 the tipping point for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Stars and Stripes

No longer the forgotten war, Afghanistan will be a hard one for Obama to win
US News & World Report

US • World

 
Iraq • Afghanistan • Pentagon • US military • al-Qaeda • troop levels • Iraqi elections • Gen. Ray Odierno • troop deaths

 
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne