Iraq Civilian Toll Spikes to Almost 6,000 (May and June)

[ProSense]

Iraq Civilian Toll Spikes to Almost 6,000

By NICK WADHAMS
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 4:49 PM EDT

UNITED NATIONS - Nearly 6,000 civilians were slain across Iraq in May and June, a spike in deaths that coincided with rising sectarian attacks across the country, the United Nations said Tuesday.

The report from the U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq describes a wave of lawlessness and crime, including assassinations, bombings, kidnappings, torture and intimidation.

Hundreds of teachers, judges, religious leaders and doctors have been targeted for death, and thousands of people have fled, the report said. Evidence suggests militants also have begun to target homosexuals, it said.

"While welcoming recent positive steps by the government to promote national reconciliation, the report raises alarm at the growing number of casualties among the civilian population killed or wounded during indiscriminate or targeted attacks by terrorists or insurgents," the U.N. said in a note accompanying the report.

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http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2006/07/18/ap/headlines/d8iukcko5.txt

[libodem]

1. Reprehensible

But be sure you don't call this civil war. The prisons are also still a hotbed of abuses of one tribe to another. No protection, anywhere. The best thing most of the people can do is run. I'd like to know how the refugees are faring? And where they go.