Iraq suicide attacks 'fell in November'

THE US military yesterday reported that suicide bombings fell in November to their lowest level in seven months after joint US-Iraqi operations west of the capital.

Major General Rick Lynch said suicide bombings fell to 23 in November, which he attributed to successful US-Iraqi military operations against insurgent strongholds in the Euphrates River valley.

Also yesterday, Iraq's interior minister fired his top official for human rights in connection with a torture investigation.