American death toll in Iraq hits 2-yr. low

More evidence of a weakened insurgency. Also the Iraqis are assuming a greater % of combat duties and the coalition forces are providing more of a logistical support function.

WASHINGTON - U.S. casualties fell to their lowest totals in two years this month as Iraqis increasingly aimed attacks at each other rather than coalition forces, the U.S. military said yesterday.

Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch noted "a decrease in the number of casualties of the coalition forces and a significant increase in Iraqi casualties, both security forces and innocent men, women and children."

Figures from the Pentagon and watchdog groups showed that, through yesterday, 30 U.S. troops had been killed in March, the lowest total since the 20 who died in February 2004.

The number reflected a six-month downward trend since 96 troops were killed last October. At least 2,327 U.S. troops have lost their lives in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion and more than 17,300 have been wounded.