Fatalities in Iraq have been reported to be at their lowest since the 2003 invasion. CNN reported on Friday, that the death toll is down by nearly 50% for Americans soldiers fighting in Iraq. As of September, the deaths totaled 25. The total deaths for October were estimated at 13. This is said to be the lowest since July, which totaled 11. Reports have also revealed that the death tolls for civilians as well as number wounded has been reduced greatly in the past month. This is said to be the lowest civilian toll since February. The article states that of the 13 deaths in October, six died in noncombatant instances.
The U.S. military has attributed this decrease in fatalities to "a positive indication of the increased security throughout the country." Officials are insisting "We do not judge the success of our operations based on casualties or deaths. Coalition forces are focused on bringing stability and security to the people of Iraq." The decrease in violence has been attributed to numerous factors including, last year’s addition of 30,000 American forces and the establishment of paramilitary units to work alongside U.S. and Iraqi forces.
However, concerns are arises at the United States inability to reach a new security agreement with the Iraqi government. The agreement would further legalize the presence of American forces in the country. The original U.N. mandate expires December 31. Many are worried that without the continued agreement, forces will not be able to continue to aid in reducing the violence.
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