Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq    

    BAGHDAD, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The number of civilians killed in Iraq in June decreased sharply since the U.S.-led crackdown in February, figures released by the Iraqi government said on Sunday.

    Based on reports compiled from the ministries of interior, defense and health, the figures showed that 1,230 people were killed in June, a 37 percent drop from May.

    In Baghdad, some 190 civilians and 35 policemen and soldiers were killed, while 551 unidentified bodies found in different parts of the capital, the figures showed.

    They also showed that 416 insurgents were killed during the month and 2,262 others were detained.

    In May, the number of civilians killed in Iraq was 1950, and the significant fall of the death toll in June was attributed to the U.S. and Iraqi security plan aimed at reducing sectarian killings and dismantling insurgent networks in and around Baghdad.

Senior al-Qaida leader identified as being killed

    BAGHDAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. military said Saturday that it has positively identified a high-level al-Qaida leader killed during an operation near the restive city of Fallujah, 50 km west of Baghdad.

    "Another foreign al-Qaida terrorist has been removed from the al-Qaida network here in Iraq," a U.S. military statement quoted Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multi National Forces spokesperson, as saying. Full story

Bush: "surge" plan shows progress in Iraq's Anbar province

    WASHINGTON, June 28 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush said on Thursday that his plan of sending more troops to Iraq to help quell sectarian violence in the country has shown "good results," particularly in the western Anbar province.

    In a speech at the U.S. Naval War College, in Newport, Rhode Island, Bush said he laid out a new strategy for Iraq early this year, to "help the Iraqis make progress toward reconciliation."  Full story