U.S. says Iraq checkpoint deaths are down

U.S. says Iraq checkpoint deaths are down
By STEVEN R. HURST, Associated Press Writer
Thu Jun 22, 3:20 PM ET

BAGHDAD, Iraq - The number of Iraqi civilian deaths at American checkpoints and in encounters with U.S. convoys has fallen sharply, from as many as eight a week a year ago to one a week last month, the U.S. military reported Thursday.

Last week was the least deadly since the military began keeping records in July, with no Iraqi civilians killed despite 50 so-called "escalation of force" incidents at U.S.-controlled roadblocks and with convoys, Lt. Col. Michelle Martin-Hing said.

"It's a combination of different things," Martin-Hing told The Associated Press. "We've begun a concerted effort to educate the local people. In March, we began an campaign about proper procedures when approaching a checkpoint or convoy.

"Plus there's been a standardization of markings at all checkpoints, beginning with warning signs at 300 yards," she said, meaning all checkpoints throughout the country are the same, whether they are manned by Iraqi or American-led forces.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060622/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_civilian_deaths