The number of people killed across Iraq in December was 367 and the civilian death toll in 2009 was 2,800, making the year the least violent since the US-led invasion of 2003, officials said yesterday.

According to figures from the defence, interior and health ministries, 306 civilians, 48 police officers and 13 soldiers were killed last month. In addition, 48 insurgents were killed and another 635 arrested.

The figures put the number of wounded during the month at 1,288.

December's toll was three times higher than the previous month, which was the least violent since 2003 with 122 killed.