More than 1,000 people were killed in Iraq in January, official data showed on Friday, as security forces grapple with a surge in bloodshed and a standoff with militants.

A total of 1,013 people -- 795 civilians, 122 soldiers and 96 policemen -- died as a result of violence, according to data compiled by the ministries of health, interior and defence.

The figures also showed that 2,024 people were wounded: 1,633 civilians, 238 soldiers and 153 policemen. Security forces killed 189 militants and arrested 458 more.

Januarys overall death toll is the highest released by the ministries since April 2008, when 1,073 people were killed.

The toll confirms a months-long surge in bloodshed in Iraq, which has been hit by near-daily militant attacks as well as the takeover of an entire city on Baghdads doorstep and parts of another by anti-government fighters.
Source: ANTARA