The number of American soldiers killed by hostile action in Iraq declined in March to the lowest level since the 2003 invasion, but total civilian deaths remained above January's low point. The number of American soldiers killed by bombs or gunfire in Iraq dropped to four, down from 11 in February, according to statistics from Web site www.icasualties.org. The total American death toll in Iraq as of today amounts to 4,262.
Iraqi Ministry of Health data indicated 180 civilians died in violent incidents last month, down from 211 in February, but still above January's all-time low of 138, making March the second lowest monthly toll since the invasion. According to www.icasualties.org, a otal of 252 Iraqi civilians and members of the security forces died compared to 202 in February 2009.
