Saturday: 4 Iraqis Killed, 7 Wounded

by Margaret Griffis, November 14, 2009

At least four Iraqis were killed and seven more were wounded in light violence. Meanwhile, Turkey announced a number of reforms that will give Kurdish citizens more rights. The plan must be approved by parliament. Also, the United Kingdom is investigating whether British troops colluded with U.S. soldiers in torturing Iraqi citizens.

Health specialists in Fallujah are reporting a significant rise in birth defects. They suspect toxic chemicals leftover from fighting could be the source.

In Baghdad, a roadside bomb in Karrada wounded two policemen. Last night, a policeman and his brother were shot dead in a drive-by shooting in the Shabb area. In Karrada, a brigadier-general was wounded in a shooting.

Three soldiers were wounded in a roadside bomb attack in Garma.

A man was shot dead at a Kirkuk market. His killer was later captured.

A tribal clash in Amara left one dead.

In Balad Ruz, a bomb blast wounded a civilian.

A committee was formed to investigate clashes between police and soldiers in Diyala province. Separately, a suspect was captured. Six others were also arrested during raids.

Kurdish forces arrested a wanted al-Qaeda suspect in Suleimaniyah.

Four suspects were detained in Amiriyat al-Fallujah.

Nine al-Qaeda suspects were captured in Jalawla.

Six suspects were detained in Salah ad Din.

One gunman was arrested in Karbala.

Twenty-three suspects were detained across Basra province.

The extent of the damage created by al-Qaeda’s occupation of Albo Tu’mma is only now coming to light. The village in Diyala province was the scene of an al-Qaeda "court" and execution center. A number of mass graves were discovered there after it was recaptured by the Iraqis.

Journalists now have legal worries to add to the threat of violent attacks against them.

Read more by Margaret Griffis