The United Nations says violence has claimed the lives of 799 Iraqis in May, the highest monthly death toll so far this year.
The figures issued today by the UN mission to Iraq put last month's civilian death toll at 603, with 196 security forces killed. UNAMI added that 1,409 other Iraqis, including 1,108, were wounded. Last month's death toll stood at 750.
It added that the worst-hit city was the capital, Baghdad, with 315 people killed. The northern province of Ninevah came in second with 113 killed, followed by nearby Salahuddin province with 94.
The figures exclude deaths in embattled Anbar province, where militants control parts of two cities.
Iraq is experiencing its worst bloodshed since sectarian violence nearly tore it apart following the US-led invasion.
