2009 Deadliest Year for U.S. in Afghanistan
More than 312 American soldiers died in Afghanistan last year -- nearly twice as many as in 2008. In Iraq, only 150 Americans lost their lives, half as many as the year before. December 2009 was also the first month since the U.S.-led war in Iraq began in March 2003 without a U.S. combat death. The three U.S. casualties in Iraq in December were the result of non-combat related incidents. This number does not include all the vets who take their own life, either in Iraq/Afghanistan or when they've gone back home. Reuters: U.S. Army suicides set to hit new high in 2009. CNN: Army official: Suicides in January 'terrifying'. Mother Jones: The Veteran Suicides.