When we look back at this US-led war on Iraq, one of the most enduring memories will be of the casualties, both civilian and military. The image of an Iraqi boy who lost both arms and parents after a US missile hit his Baghdad home is one of the most heart-rending memories of the conflict. But the 12-year old Ali Ismail Abbas is only one of thousands whose lives have been shattered by the mission to topple Saddam Hussein.
According to the Pentagon, by April 16, a total of 125 US troops had been killed in the war on Iraq, 495 wounded; three reported missing. On the British side, 31 soldiers have been killed and about 75 wounded. Neither Iraq nor the coalition have released the latest estimates of Iraqi military casualties. But, according to the United States Central Command, some 2,000 to 3,000 Iraqi soldiers were killed in the crossfire with the US ground troops in Baghdad on April 5. And by April 13, 5100 Iraqi soldiers were wounded.
Caught in between are Iraqi civilians. Iraq says at least 600 civilians have been killed and more than 4,000 wounded since the outbreak of the war on March 20. And finally, the most televised war in history has also seen the rise in the number of deaths among wartime journalists. So far, 12 war correspondents have lost their lives.
Up to now, it is still very difficult to get an accurate figure in terms of the casualties involved in this war, but there is no doubt that the current humanitarian crisis will continue for some time to come, as will the suffering of those who have lost their loved ones, their health or their homes.
| Graphics: Casualties of the War on Iraq | | | killed | wounded | | US soldiers | 125 | 495 | | British soldiers | 31 | 75 | | Iraqi soldiers | 2000-3000 in Baghdad alone
total number killed: unknown | 5100 | | Iraqi civilians | around 600 | 4000+ | | War correspondents | 12 | - |
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