UN: Nearly 6,600 Iraqis Killed in Violence in July and August
20 September 2006
A U.N. report says hundreds more Iraqis died in violence in July and August than in the previous two months, with many of the victims bearing signs of torture and execution-style killing.
The report, released Wednesday, says nearly 6,600 Iraqis were killed in July and August - most of them in Baghdad - and that the total of 3,590 in July was unprecedented.
The report describes as "particularly abhorrent" terrorist attacks against markets and mosques, and the killing of religious pilgrims.
Iraq has seen a recent spike in sectarian violence and insurgent attacks. In the latest unrest, at least 30 people were killed in insurgent attacks across the country.
A top U.S. commander in Iraq, Major General William Caldwell says he expects attacks to increase further during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which begins in days.
In Washington, the White House dismissed reports that President Bush has lost confidence in Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. A spokesman said there has been significant progress in the country since Mr. Maliki took office in May.
Meanwhile, the new chief judge in the genocide trial of Saddam Hussein began his tenure Wednesday by ejecting the former Iraqi leader from the courtroom.
Saddam stood up and shouted at the judge, Muhammad al-Oreibi, that Oreibi's father had been in Saddam's security force. The judge denied it. When Saddam continued talking, the judge had the former leader removed.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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