Iraq deaths up 15 percent despite surge

April 1, 2007
Iraq deaths up 15 percent despite surge

BAGHDAD (AFP) - The monthly death toll in Iraq rose 15 percent in March, government figures revealed Sunday, as insurgents and sectarian militias continue to defy a military crackdown in Baghdad.

Half the 30,000 troop reinforcements promised by President George W. Bush to support the huge security operation have now deployed to Iraq, the US military confirmed.

At least 2,078 Iraqi civilians, policemen and soldiers died nationwide last month, 272 more than in February, and grim news for the US-backed crackdown billed as a last chance to wrest back control of Baghdad.