Iraq: December the least deadly month of the year

BAGHDAD – Iraqi authorities say December was the least deadly month of the year 2010.

Iraq's official casualty tally, compiled by the interior, health and defense ministries, shows that 151 people were killed in insurgents attacks in December, the lowest toll of the year.

Violence has significantly subsided in Iraq in the past years although insurgents still frequently target members of the security forces and civilians.

According to the Iraqi government data, obtained by the AP on Saturday, 3,525 people died in insurgent attacks in 2010. The majority of the casualties — 2,505 — were civilians.

July was the deadliest month, according to the official tally, with 535 people killed in bombings, rocket and mortar attacks across the country.