More than 4,000 Iraqis have been killed since the beginning of this year, local Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper reported on Monday.

The report, citing statistics provided by the ministries of defense, interior and health, said that 3,072 civilians were killed in violence for political reasons, while 358 soldiers and 765 policemen also lost their lives.

Around 4,785 insurgents were killed in the same period, it added.

Some international organizations estimate the number of Iraqis killed during the past two years since US invasion has reached over 100,000. 

(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2005)