The number of Iraqi killed in violence in Iraq rises to about 270 in June, the highest monthly level since this year, according to government figures released on Friday.

June also marks the deadliest month for American troops in three years as 14 U.S. service members were killed in hostile incidents. Violence in Iraq has dropped sharply from the height of sectarian fighting in July, 2006, but attacks against Iraqi and U.S. security forces appear to be rising as the United States prepares to fully withdraw by end-December.

It's more than eight years after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.