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M. Continuo

Iraqi violent deaths, but injuries drop in April


    BAGHDAD (Reuters) -The number of civilians and soldiers killed in Iraqi violence fell in April, official figures showed on Sunday, although attacks continued against security forces ahead of the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

    The Health Ministry said 120 civilians were killed in bombings and other attacks last month compared with 136 in March.

    Iraq's security forces continue to battle a weakened but lethal insurgency eight years after the U.S.-led invasion.

    While violence has dropped sharply from the height of sectarian warfare in 2006-7, bombings and attacks still occur daily.

    Insurgents have stepped up attacks against Iraq's army and police in recent months, seeking to undermine faith in the government as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw fully by the end of the year.

    The Health Ministry said 190 civilians were wounded in April, down from 215 in March.

    Fifty-six police officers were killed in April, up from 55 in March, while 35 soldiers were killed in April, down from 56, according to figures from the interior and defence ministries.

    The ministries said 97 police officers and 90 soldiers were wounded last month.

    Eight people were killed, including five soldiers, and 19 wounded, including two soldiers, when a suicide bomber blew himself up at an Iraqi army checkpoint in the northern city of Mosul on Saturday.

    (Writing by Serena Chaudhry; Editing by Andrew Heavens)