Two Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in one of the two attacks reported today. In the other, a kidnap victim was captured and rescued in a matter of hours. Also, demonstrations against the United States continued.

Parliamentary Speaker Usama al-Nujaifi denounced insulting Mohammed but also condemned retaliatory attacks, saying such violence not only goes against religious values but also justifies further attacks against Islam.

In Ramadi, protestors demanded to cut ties with the U.S. and expel the U.S. Ambassador.

Two people were killed and 18 were wounded in a blast inside a crowded market in Samarra. Police stationed nearby fired rounds after the explosion.

A kidnapping victim from the Hamrim area was liberated, and the kidnappers were arrested.

Read more by Margaret Griffis

• Forty Killed Across Iraq; 13 Kidnapped in Anbar Province – May 18th, 2013
• Retaliation Against Sunnis Leave 90 Dead, 201 Wounded Across Iraq – May 17th, 2013
• Bombings Continue in Baghdad, Kirkuk; 40 Killed – May 16th, 2013
• Iraq Horror: 42 Killed, 141 Wounded – May 15th, 2013
• Baghdad Liquor Stores Targeted in Ongoing Attacks – May 14th, 2013