Updated at 9:12 p.m. EDT May 13, 2008
Although a ceasefire was signed yesterday, attacks in Sadr City continued. At least 36 were killed and 73 were injured across the country. One American soldier was killed in an IED attack late today in Baghdad.
The violence continues in Sadr City, where American forces and rogue Shi’ite militiamen continue to harass each other despite the Iraqi government and followers of Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr agreeing to a cease-fire. Eleven people were killed and 20 were wounded overnight. Three gunmen were also killed. The gunmen are believed to be former members of the Mahdi Army. A U.S. spokesman said that American forces are “not looking for a fight.” However, Iraqi forces were supposed to take over security of Sadr City and rely on the Americans as little as possible. Gunmen could be interpreting continued U.S. presence in Sadr City as breaking the truce. Only U.S. troops and rogue gunmen have been targeted, women and children were among the casualties. Also, the Jamila market was set on fire during a U.S. airstrike; 15 men were wounded. A seven-year-old was killed after an Iraqi army vehicle ran over him.
In Baghdad itself, a bomb wounded five people in Karrada. Eight gunmen were killed. Two Iraqi security personnel were killed and eight others were wounded during security operations. Mortars fell in Bab al-Sharji and Salhiya, but no casualties were reported. Also, four dumped bodies were found.
A roadside bomb near Mahmudiya killed one policeman and wounded three others.
Six students were kidnapped from a minibus near Baquba.
Four children were injured during bomb blasts in Mosul. Five Iraqi soldiers were killed and four more were wounded in an IED attack. Also, another soldier was wounded in a separate bomb blast.
In Nassiriya, a woman was killed and three others were wounded in a mortar attack.
Seventeen people were arrested in Basra.
In Karbala, three people suspected of setting bombs were arrested.
Three men suspected of being in a kidnapping gang were arrested in Khalis.Two al-Qaeda leaders were arrested in Makhmour.
A car bomb wounded ten people in Kirkuk.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
