AP count: Iraqi deaths hover near lowest level

? Casualties among Iraqi civilians and security forces last month hit their second-lowest level in nearly four years with 283 deaths linked to war-related violence, according to an Associated Press tally.

The figure was an increase from the lowest death count — 242 in January — but reflected an overall drop in violence around Iraq in recent months.

The deadliest month for Iraqi civilians and security forces, according to the AP count, was December 2006 with 2,309 killed.

Last month’s figure included 227 civilians and 56 security forces and others.