Deliberate distortions?

Agence France-Presse reports civilian deaths in Iraq have dropped dramatically:

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraqi civilian deaths dropped to 1,241 last month, according to figures issued on Sunday, the lowest since a US-led crackdown was launched in February in Baghdad and other violent regions of the country.

The latest numbers, compiled from interior, defence and health ministry figures and made available to AFP, indicate that 1,241 civilians died last month, compared to 1,951 in the previous month.

As I read this, I am a bit mystified. Only a month or so ago, the Iraqi government decided to stop reporting civilian casualty figures, yet these figures purportedly come from government sources. Meanwhile, there is every other evidence that the chaos in Iraq is increasing, not decreasing, with U.S. casualties there at their highest point ever.

My guess. The government is reporting unofficial numbers that are deliberately distorted. But, that's just a guess.