3 May 2013

Rise in killings in Iraq seen by UN

7:40 am on 3 May 2013

The United Nations mission in Iraq has reported that April 2013 was the deadliest month there for almost five years.

It says 712 people were killed, including more than 430 civilians.

The mission said Baghdad was the worst place and the Diyala, Salahuddin, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Anbar were the next worst provinces.

The BBC reports a spate of bombings in the last two weeks has left more than 200 people dead and scores wounded.

Provincial elections were held 20 April - the first since the last US troops withdrew at the end of December 2011.

The Interior Ministry puts the total death toll for April at 245 people.