Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- More than 19,000 militants have been killed in Iraq since the insurgency there began more than four years ago, according to newly released U.S. military statistics.

    The statistics, reported by USA Today on Thursday, showed that 4,882 militants have been killed so far this year, a 25 percent increase on the total number killed last year.

    The increase, the report said, reflects more aggressive tactics adopted by the American forces and an additional 30,000 U.S. troops ordered by the White House this year.

    The U.S. and Iraqi forces have launched several large offensives aimed at crippling al-Qaida since the arrival of more troops in February.

    The U.S. military said, however, there has been an increase in suicide attacks in recent days.

    The size of the insurgency in Iraq has been difficult to measure and it is fluid, making it hard to determine what impact the deaths have had on the insurgency in Iraq.

    Last year, Gen. John Abizaid, then commander of military forces in the region, estimated there were 10,000 to 20,000 fighters taking part in the Sunni insurgency.

    He said the Shiite militia members were in the "low thousands."

    The U.S. military has not provided any recent estimates.

    There are 25,000 detainees in U.S. military custody in Iraq, according to the military.