Iraq violence falls to four-year low

Baghdad: Violence in Iraq has fallen to its lowest level in more than four years, according to a military report.

Iraqi security officials said an offensive against Al Qaida in Mosul had wiped out most of the insurgent network.

US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, said Al Qaida has "never been closer to defeat than they are now."

According to the military report released on Saturday, the number of violent incidents in the week ending May 23 was around 300, down from nearly 1,600 in June 2007.

US military spokesman Major John Hall attributed the fall in violence to the growth in the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces.

"Al Qaida in Iraq and a number of other extremist elements have been dealt serious blows," he added.