The first U.S. soldier to die since the withdrawal of combat troops this week was killed in during a rocket attack in Basra today. At least four Iraqis were killed and 43 more were wounded in other attacks.
At least three Iraqis were killed and one more were wounded in light violence. Despite a general decrease in attacks, women in Baghdad are arming themselves for protection.
Updated at 8:29 p.m. EDT, Aug. 20, 2010
At least four Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in light violence. Despite the much-reported withdrawal of U.S. combat troops two days ago, a U.S. patrol came under a thermal bomb attack in Kirkuk. No casualties were reported in that incident. The U.S. military says that 52,000 American servicemembers remain in the country.
Updated at 8:10 p.m. Aug. 19, 2010
At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded in light attacks that concentrated on security personnel. A day after U.S. combat forces left Iraq, Maj. Gen. Stephen Lanza said that Iraqi forces are capable of keeping security but selecting the new government would help. About 56,000 troops will remain to assist the Iraqis; however, the final withdrawal of Americans could be as late as 2020 depending on conditions.
Updated at 8:29 p.m. EDT, Aug. 18, 2010
The last brigade of U.S. combat troops crossed the border into Kuwait very early Thursday morning local time, two weeks ahead of the official drawdown deadline set by Washington. Although approximately 50,000 personnel will remain in Iraq and combat conditions will continue for many of those left behind, the withdrawal of the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division is a symbolic end to combat operations.
Separately, the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq, James Jeffrey, arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday where he met with leaders to formally accept his new post. Baghdad was also the scene of numerous if small attacks against government officials, but the most gruesome attack occurred in Diyala where gunmen left the following message on their victims: “This is the future for all those who cooperate with the U.S. military and Iraqi security forces.” Overall, at least 25 Iraqis were killed and 33 more were wounded.
Updated at 10:27 p.m. EDT, Aug. 17, 2010
A large blast killed and wounded dozens at an army center in Baghdad, while another explosion left more casualties. Overall, at least 81 Iraqis were killed and 178 more were wounded across the country. Eight other attacks targeting judges were also reported. U.S. officials said the drawdown would continue despite the violence.
At least three Iraqis were killed and seven more were wounded in the latest attacks. A U.S. soldier was also killed during a hostile attack in Baquba. Nearby, four Iranian tourists were killed and nine were wounded in a separate attack in Diyala province. Casualties were also reported in an attack in Fallujah.
Updated at 7:59 p.m. EDT, August 15, 2010
At least 33 Iraqis were killed and 91 more were wounded in fresh violence that erupted throughout central and northern Iraq. In one case, gunmen were specifically targeting Ramadan worshippers. Baghdad and nearby cities bore the brunt of the attacks. Meanwhile, new data suggest that hundreds of U.S. veterans may have misdiagnosed post-traumatic shock disorder.
At least seven Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded almost entirely in Baghdad.
Due to the Ramadan holiday, fewer attacks were reported; however, at least one policeman was killed and 18 others were wounded in two separate attacks. Meanwhile, experts in Germany claim to have seen evidence of chemical weapons use by the Turkish military on Kurdish rebels.
