Deaths of ISAF forces hit new peak in July

Deaths of coalition forces in Afghanistan reached their highest level in nearly a year last month, a Web site that tracks the war's casualties reported. Some 46 troops died in July, according to iCasualties.org, Stars and Stripes reported. Overall coalition deaths are down overall by 20 percent, the International Security Assistance Force said although attacks have increased 11 percent this year. ICasualties.org said 266 coalition troops have been killed so far in 2012. Through July of last year, 335 died. However, Afghan security forces have seen the greatest increase in casualties. Afghan officials reported in the past four months about 900 troops have died. Deaths of border police are not included in that figure. An ISAF official attributed the increase in attacks on several factors. "By forcing insurgents out of more heavily populated areas ..., where violence has declined significantly, and into the more contested regions of Afghanistan, we can anticipate the insurgency will attempt to increase its attacks, primarily using IEDs and small arms fire, in order to continue to retain influence and safe havens," the official said in e-mailed comments.