Updated at 12:40 a.m. EDT, May 10, 2007
As U.S. Vice President Cheney paid an unannounced visit to Iraq, an explosion just outside the Green Zone interrupted his meeting with government officials. Meanwhile, the U.S. military reported that one American soldier was killed during a small arms attack in Diyala province; four other soldiers were wounded as well. And, at least 86 Iraqis were killed or found dead and 153 Iraqis were injured during ongoing violence, including a major bombing in Irbil.
In Irbil, 19 people were killed and wounded more than 123 others during a suicide bombing in the normally peaceful Kurdish city. The incident occurred outside the Iraqi government building and was the first attack in three years; al Qaeda claimed responsibility.
In Baghdad, one worker was killed and two were wounded when gunmen attacked them as they were setting up controversial barriers in the Adhamiya neighborhood. A roadside bomb wounded three police commandos on Palestine Street; police commandos are a different group from regular police and are feared by many citizens. The director of the Ministry of Housing and Reconstruction was killed in northern Baghdad.
Also in the capital, an explosion occurred near the Green Zone; no casualties were reported but people were forced to take cover in secured buildings. Combined U.S. and Iraqi troops conducted security operations in Bayaa, while people in Baghdad’s Green Zone are ordered to wear flak jackets while outdoors or in unfortified buildings due to increased attacks focused on the area unrelated to today’s bombing. And, 21 unidentified bodies were found in various locations.
Three Iraqi journalists and their driver were killed near Kirkuk after being dragged from their car and tortured. One was a fairly well known director of a local media organization, and police believe that their profession was a major factor in their targeting. The bodies bore deep slash marks.
Five dumped bodies were recovered in Fallujah.
In Mosul, two Yazidi men were killed by gunmen; an ongoing sectarian feud begun by the stoning death of a woman has caused the deaths of dozens belonging to the ancient faith. In a separate incident, two people were killed and a third wounded while driving around in a car. Another two people were killed during an explosion on a main road.
A roadside bomb killed two in Shirqat.
In separate incidents, two people were killed in Amara. A Missan council member escaped an assassination attempt. Separately, another member was wounded.
In Basra, British bases once again came under fire that left no casualties. However, British troops in a northern section of town wounded one gunman during a clash.
No casualties were reported when mortars fell on a U.S. intelligence center in Hilla. Five civilians were injured when a bomb as detonated in a popular market. Mortars fell on a residential area north of the city, wounding two people. Near HIlla, gunmen attacked a minibus killing all 13 aboard.
Iraqi troops reported killing three gunmen in unspecified locations. An Iraqi soldier was also killed and 13 more wounded during a combat mission.
Also, the U.S. military took responsibility for the deaths of several civilians, including children, during an airstrike yesterday in Mandali.
Four beheaded bodies were found at a checkpoint north of Baquba. Two other bodies were discovered in the Mua’almeen area.
Two bodies were found in Bani Saad.
A police officer was shot and killed outside his Diwaniya home.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
