Updated at 5:56 p.m. EDT, June 16, 2008
At least 15 Iraqis were killed and 40 more wounded across Iraq. Meanwhile, Amara quietly prepares for a security crackdown. Three American servicemembers were killed in separate incidents.
A roadside bomb killed a U.S. soldier today near Hilla. Also, the DOD announced the deaths of two Marines on June 11 in separate incidents. The first one was killed during combat operations in Anbar province, while the second Marine died of non-battle-related causes.
The central government continues to prepare for a security crackdown on the southern city of Amara. Although the city is relatively quiet compared to the rest of the country, it is a stronghold of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s political rival, Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. The cleric has ordered his followers to maintain a ceasefire that he imposed on them last summer and which the Maliki government frequently tests. No incidents have yet been reported.
In Baghdad, a double bombing killed two people and wounded 23 near a college in the Adhamiya neighborhood. Two people were killed and eight were wounded during a mortar attack in Khadraa. In Raghiba Khatoun, a bomb attached to a car wounded its driver. Also, two dumped bodies were found.
In Mosul, a roadside bomb outside a home killed one family member and wounded two others, including a child. At least three other bomb attacks on homes were carried out, leaving two more wounded. Iraqi forces killed two students as they attempted to arrest them at Mosul University; one security member was wounded. Also, 11 suspects were detained.
Three Sahwa members were killed and two were wounded during a roadside bomb attack on a checkpoint in Buhriz. Three IEDs were defused across the city.
Two hostages were freed in Baquba.
A Katyusha rocket attack on the British base at Basra caused the closure of the airport. Twelve people were detained in separate operations.
A roadside bomb injured a man working on powerlines in Rashad.
In Suwayra, a body wearing a military uniform and bearing gunshot wounds was recovered from the Tigris River. Two other bodies were found earlier.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
