World Briefing: Iraq: Toll From Clashes Rises, U.N. Says

At least 1,466 Iraqis were killed in episodes of armed conflict in June, up more than 40 percent from the previous month as security forces battled the Islamic State group, according to United Nations figures released Wednesday. The monthly death toll was the highest since September, and the rise from last month appeared to be almost entirely attributable to higher casualties among security forces. About 800 members of the Iraqi security forces and pro-government militia fighters were killed in June, more than twice the 366 killed in May, according to the United Nations. The mission said those killed in June included at least 665 civilians. It put the total number of wounded at 1,687. The United Nations said the latest figures were an “absolute minimum,” as it had not been able verify casualties in conflict zones or to count those who died from the secondary effects of violence after fleeing their homes.