Enlarge By Michael Schwartz, Gannett News Service Gen. David Petraeus, commander of the Multi-National Forces in Iraq, testified in April before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. DROP IN DEATHS DROP IN DEATHS Petraeus: Level of violence in Iraq tapers toward 'normal' U.S. combat deaths in Iraq appear headed to the lowest monthly total since the start of the war as the top U.S. general there said overall violence is declining toward "normal" levels. Gen. David Petraeus cautioned, however, that the progress still could be reversed. Suicide attacks Monday in Iraq killed more than 50 Iraqis. "If you could reduce these sensational attacks further, I think you are almost approaching a level of normal or latent violence," Petraeus said in a phone interview Monday from Iraq. "The fact that the levels of violence have come down so significantly and stayed down now for some two-and-a-half months … indicates there is a degree of durability," Petraeus said. There have been six U.S. combat deaths so far in July, according to a USA TODAY database. The lowest monthly number was eight in May 2003, slightly more than a month after the invasion. Iraqi civilian deaths also have dropped. Although suicide attacks along with other violence has been declining, al-Qaeda retains the ability to bomb civilian targets and wreak havoc. Monday's attack was the deadliest in more than a month. "Al-Qaeda, although significantly degraded … still can strap a suicide vest on an individual and push him or her into a crowd of Iraqis," Petraeus said. The ability of U.S. and Iraqi forces to sustain low levels of violence is considered a key condition for allowing a further drawdown in American forces. The last of five extra brigades sent to Iraq in 2007 left that country this month, bringing U.S. troop levels to about 140,000. Petraeus is expected to make a recommendation in late August or early September about future troop levels. Violence levels have continued to drop as the extra brigades have departed. The lower levels have been maintained for more than two months. Daily attacks during the past two months have averaged about 25 to 30, down from about 160 to 170 a little more than a year ago, Petraeus said. "What we've got to do, of course, is figure out how to keep it there while, over time, further reducing our forces and … trying to further degrade the networks that carry out the sensational attacks," Petraeus said. Iraqi security forces have been growing in numbers and effectiveness as threats from al-Qaeda and Shiite militias have decreased, Petraeus said. About 70% of Iraq's combat battalions are leading operations in their areas. "There is a degree of momentum across the board," he said. "Certainly there have been very tough days and tough reversals." The progress in Iraq comes as there is increasing pressure to shift U.S. troops to Afghanistan, where violence is growing. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more