Updated at 11:10 p.m EDT, July 25, 2007
Gunfire erupted again today, but this time it was caused by a win for the Iraqi national soccer team in the Asian Cup. The celebratory mood was felt throughout the country even into Kurdish areas. However, at least 116 Iraqis were killed and 186 were wounded during violent activity. Six Iranians were also wounded during an incident in Baghdad. Three American servicemembers were reported killed in separate incidents.
The father of a Marine said he was killed yesterday during a roadside bombing in Ramadi. In Diyala province, a sailor was killed in combat yesterday. And, a GI died from non-hostile causes yesterday.
In Baghdad, despite safety warnings from authorities, sports fans engaged in celebratory gunfire–so did the suicide bombers. In Mansour, a suicide bomber killed at least 30 and wounded 75 other revelers. Another suicide car bomb killed 25 and wounded 60 others who were celebrating in Ghadeer. At least five people were accidently killed in other celebrations.
Also in the capital, six Iranian pilgrims were injured at a fake checkpoint in the Doura neighborhood where gunmen attacked them after the Iranians returned from Karbala. During combat missions one Iraqi soldier was killed and nine were wounded, but two gunmen were also killed and 27 more suspects were detained. Two policemen were injured when mortars fell on the al-Khadhraa. A car bomb in Shaab killed three people and wounded two more. Two people were killed and 12 wounded during random shootings. Also, 18 unidentified bodies were found.
Eight people were killed and 10 wounded in Sadr City during a clash involving Shi’ite militiamen and combined U.S.-Iraqi forces.
Two bodies were found in Mosul yesterday.
Near Imam Ways yesterday, an Iraqi soldier was killed and two more were wounded during a roadside attack. A patrol foiled a kidnapping attempt on truck drivers heading to Jalawla.
Gunmen killed a policeman and wounded another in Khalidiya.
In Basra, a hefty ransom bought the release of a local surgeon who had previously been reported killed.
At least 20 people were detained by Iraqi security forces. Turkish forces also arrested a dozen people who confessed to illegally crossing the border.
Also, 18 tribal chiefs in Diyala province signed a peace agreement.
Gunmen killed two people in Hawija.
Five bodies were found in Iskandariya.
In Saidiya, four young men were kidnapped. Their disembodied heads were found hours later.
Five bodies and three disembodied heads were found in Baquba.
Gunmen killed two farmers in Kirkuk. A clan leader’s son was kidnapped. Six Iraqis were injured during soccer celebrations. Also, two gunmen were wounded during clashes.
A roadside bomb east of Karbala blasted the police chief’s motorcade. He was unhurt, but three bodyguards were killed.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
