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New high in Iraqi civilian deaths New high in Iraqi civilian deaths
(10 minutes later)
The number of civilians killed in political violence in Iraq reached record levels in December, according to Iraqi government figures.The number of civilians killed in political violence in Iraq reached record levels in December, according to Iraqi government figures.
The interior ministry says 1,930 Iraqis died last month, three-and-a-half times the number who died in January 2006.The interior ministry says 1,930 Iraqis died last month, three-and-a-half times the number who died in January 2006.
The figures were announced as the BBC learned Washington will reveal a fresh strategy for Iraq within days.The figures were announced as the BBC learned Washington will reveal a fresh strategy for Iraq within days.
President George Bush is expected to send more troops to the country in the hope of quelling the mounting violence.President George Bush is expected to send more troops to the country in the hope of quelling the mounting violence.
Counting bodies
The BBC's Peter Greste in Baghdad says the interior ministry statistics make chilling reading.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS DURING 2006 Civilian deaths reach new high of 12,320, Iraqi government says, but actual numbers may be higherMore than 800 US troops killedViolence at record levels, with 140 reported attacks dailyThousands of Iraqis leaving the country each week Iraq violence, in figures Quick guide: Violence in IraqKEY DEVELOPMENTS DURING 2006 Civilian deaths reach new high of 12,320, Iraqi government says, but actual numbers may be higherMore than 800 US troops killedViolence at record levels, with 140 reported attacks dailyThousands of Iraqis leaving the country each week Iraq violence, in figures Quick guide: Violence in Iraq
A total of more than 12,000 civilians were killed for the whole of 2006, the statistics suggested. Half of them died in the last four months. More than 12,000 civilians were killed during 2006, the statistics suggested. Half of them died in the last four months.
Such figures have been disputed, and do not include those injured in attacks who died later from their wounds.Such figures have been disputed, and do not include those injured in attacks who died later from their wounds.
For all the difficulties of compiling accurate numbers, the upward trend is clear and supported by evidence from the ground, our correspondent says. For all the difficulties of compiling accurate numbers, the upward trend is clear and supported by evidence from the ground, reports the BBC's Peter Greste in Baghdad.
Every morning police collect dozens of bodies from the streets of Baghdad.Every morning police collect dozens of bodies from the streets of Baghdad.
Most of those killed are victims of sectarian violence between the minority Sunni and majority Shia Muslims.Most of those killed are victims of sectarian violence between the minority Sunni and majority Shia Muslims.
ReinforcementsReinforcements
In his speech expected later in the week, President Bush will announce an increase in US soldiers in Iraq.In his speech expected later in the week, President Bush will announce an increase in US soldiers in Iraq.
President Bush wants to send more troops to Iraq in the short term President Bush wants to send more troops to Iraq in the short termTheir exact mission is still under discussion, but it is likely to focus on providing security rather than training Iraqi forces, the BBC's Justin Webb reports.
Their exact mission is still under discussion, but it is likely to focus on providing security rather than training Iraqi forces, the BBC's Justin Webb reports.
There are around 140,000 troops currently posted in Iraq, with a reserve force kept in neighbouring Kuwait for speedy deployment.There are around 140,000 troops currently posted in Iraq, with a reserve force kept in neighbouring Kuwait for speedy deployment.
Last week US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said another 3,300 soldiers would be sent to Kuwait in early January.Last week US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said another 3,300 soldiers would be sent to Kuwait in early January.
Just before the New Year, the total number of US troops killed in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion passed 3,000.Just before the New Year, the total number of US troops killed in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion passed 3,000.