2007 Toll Nears Highest for U.S. in Iraq

[Hissyspit]

Source: Associated Press

2007 Toll Nears Highest for US in Iraq
By LAUREN FRAYER – 8 hours ago

BAGHDAD (AP) — With just under two months left in the year, 2007 is on course to be the deadliest year on record for American forces in Iraq, despite a recent sharp drop in U.S. deaths. At least 847 American military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year — the second-highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to Associated Press figures.

In 2004, the bloodiest year of the war for the U.S. so far, 850 American troops died. Most were killed in large, conventional battles like the campaign to cleanse Fallujah of Sunni militants in November, and U.S. clashes with Shiite militiamen in the sect's holy city of Najaf in August.

But the American military in Iraq has increased its exposure this year, reaching 165,000 troops — the highest levels yet. Moreover, the military's decision to send soldiers out of large bases and into Iraqi communities means more troops have seen more "contact with enemy forces" than ever before, said Maj. Winfield Danielson, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad.

"It's due to the troop surge, which allowed us to go into areas that were previously safe havens for insurgents," Danielson said. "Having more soldiers, and having them out in the communities, certainly contributes to our casualties."

Read more: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gkx-3oYeFwuWKCusr2jrojs98w8wD8SN23400

[LynnTheDem]

1. "We'll be greeted as liberators" ..."flowers and chocolate" ...

"six days, six weeks, maybe. Six months, I doubt that."

Just how many times do the bushCartel need to be proven 100% wrong wrong wrong, before their little empty rightwingnut freepers finally realize the bushCartel are the next-stupidest MFers on the planet???

[saigon68]

2. "BRING EM ON" shouted the AWOL CHIMPANZEE

[Scurrilous]

3. 2007 is deadliest year for US in Iraq

At least 853 American military personnel dead in Iraq so far this year — highest annual toll since war began in March 2003, according to AP figures

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3468504,00.html

<snip>

"The US military on Tuesday announced the deaths of five more soldiers and one sailor, making 2007 the deadliest year for US troops despite a recent downturn, according to an Associated Press count.

At least 853 American military personnel have died in Iraq so far this year — the highest annual toll since the war began in March 2003, according to AP figures."

<snip>

"Five US soldiers were killed Monday in two separate roadside bomb attacks, said Rear Adm. Gregory Smith, director of the Multi-National Force-Iraq's communications division.

"We lost five soldiers yesterday in two unfortunate incidents, both involving IEDs," Smith told reporters in Baghdad's heavily-guarded Green Zone. Later, the military said four of the soldiers died after an explosion near their vehicle in Kirkuk province, and one was killed in Anbar.

In a third statement, American forces said a sailor died of injuries from an explosion Monday in Salahuddin province, north of Baghdad.

With nearly two months left in the year, the US toll has already surpassed that of 2004, when 850 troops died — mostly in larger, more conventional battles like the campaign to cleanse Fallujah of Sunni militants in November, and US clashes with Shiite militiamen in the sect's holy city of Najaf in August."