Iraq's monthly death toll decreases in November

 The monthly death toll among Iraqis from violence sharply deceased in November comparing to the previous month, Iraqi authorities said Saturday.

A total of 187 people have been killed by attacks during November across the country, including 112 civilians and 75 security members, according to figures compiled by Iraqi ministries of interior, defense and health.

November's death toll is much lower than that of October when the authorities announced the death of a total of 258 Iraqis.

The last month's figures also showed that a total of 325 people were wounded during the month, including 205 security members.

However, May's death toll was the lowest since December 2010, when the authorities announced the death of 151 Iraqis.

The decline in last month's toll came despite fears by observers that the ongoing drawdown of U.S. troops from the country could open the door for insurgents to launch a new wave of violence.

On Oct. 21, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that all U.S. troops stationed in Iraq will completely pull out of the country by the end of this year, and the Iraq War will be over.

Under the security pact named Status of Forces Agreement signed late in 2008 between Baghdad and Washington, the United States would pull out all its troops from the country by Dec. 31.

______________________________________________

Source: xinhuanet