For Iraqi civilians, May has been the deadliest month so far this year. According to data released by various ministries, at least 275 died. Another 62 Iraqis who were security personnel were killed as well, along with five U.S. soldiers. On the first day of June, at least six Iraqis were killed and one more was wounded, including both civilians and servicemembers.
The Supreme Court has ratified the results of March’s parliamentary election with Iraqiya receiving the most seats but not an outright majority. The first parliamentary session should meet within 15 days and begin what is sure to be a long process of creating the next government. The first issue will be whether Iraqiya will determine the next prime minister or if a bloc created after the elections will have the honor. The U.S. embassy welcomed the ratification.
Should the super-bloc composed of Shi’ite groups shut-out the secular Iraqiya, which came out on top thanks to Sunni voters, it could mean an increase in sectarian violence. Outside Iraq, Sunni insurgent groups and members of the outlawed Ba’ath Party have held meetings. But the super-bloc is not a done deal, as the Sadrist component does not want the current Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, to return as premier.
Iran once again shelled northern Iraq, but reports of an incursion by troops were dismissed by the Peshmerga.
In Baghdad, U.S. troops ended their "overwatch" of Iraqi security personnel guarding Green Zone checkpoints.
In Mosul, three policemen were killed and a fourth was wounded during a blast in Tahrir, while a soldier was killed in Muthanna. Gunmen killed a woman in Tank. Also, 22 suspects were captured.
A civilian was killed during a raid in Haditha.
Policemen in Ramadi raided the home of a provincial council member.
Nine suspects were detained in Basra.
Three men surrendered to police in Baquba. Nine more were captured across the province.
A man was arrested in Debis, near Kirkuk.
Three suspects were captured in Suwayra.
