Iraq August death toll at 1,688: UN

The United Nations says death toll from a month of violence in Iraq stands at 1,688, as the country’s forces continue fighting against the ISIL terrorists.

The UN Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) announced the August figure, putting the number of the injured at 2,166, the Middle East Monitor publication reported on Tuesday.

The highest number of casualties, for both the dead and the injured, belongs to the capital Baghdad.

The number of those killed outside the western province of Anbar stood at 1,265, including 77 members of the civilian police, while 1,198 people, including 105 police officers, were injured.

Baghdad was worst hit by the violence with 246 people dead and another 611 injured.

“The total number of casualties of Anbar province during August… has reached 268 deaths and 796 injuries,” the UNAMI said.

Back in July, 1,737 people were killed in Iraq, according to the UN.

Iraq has been fighting the ISIL terrorists since they took control of Mosul on June 10. The takeover was followed by the fall of the city of Tikrit, located 140 kilometers (87 miles) northwest of the capital Baghdad. The control of Tikrit was later retaken by the Iraqi army.

The ISIL terrorists have been committing heinous crimes in the captured areas, including the mass execution of civilians and Iraqi security forces.

Soldiers of the Iraqi army have been engaged in heavy fighting with the militants on different fronts and have so far been able to push back militants in several areas.

NT/AS/MHB