U.S. combat deaths in Baghdad have risen steadily since February, when the U.S. military launched an initiative to secure the capital, Pentagon records show. Meanwhile, a hotbed of the Iraqi insurgency has become significantly safer for U.S. troops.This month, 56% of U.S. combat deaths within Iraq have occurred in Baghdad, up from 27% in February. Combat deaths in the capital last exceeded 50% in July 2005.
U.S. commanders have cautioned that they expect a spike in casualties in Baghdad. Troop levels are to increase there by 17,000 by early summer. Many troops have left the relative safety of fortified bases and are manning checkpoints and conducting house-to-house searches.
The security plan, launched Feb. 14, seeks to reduce violence, so the Iraqi government can seek a longer-term solution to Iraq's troubles.
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