Baghdad (CNN) -- The total number of Iraqi civilians and security forces personnel killed in violence in 2010 was higher than in 2009, according to a CNN tally based on figures released throughout 2010 from Iraq's defense, interior and health ministries.
A total of 3,605 Iraqi civilians, police and army members were killed last year, compared to 3,479 killed in 2009. According to CNN's tally, the number of Iraqi civilian deaths dropped in 2010 compared to the previous year, but the rise in the overall death toll was due to an increased number of Iraqi police and army personnel killed.
According to CNN's tally, a total of 2,505 civilians were killed in 2010 -- down 304 from 2,809 in 2009. But 1,100 security forces personnel were killed in 2010 -- up 430 from 670 in 2009.
Iraqi security officials attribute the increased number of casualties among Iraqi police and soldiers to Iraq conducting more security operations on their own, as the United States has decreased the number of troops it has in the country and shifted its focus from combat to training and advising Iraqi troops. CNN
