Updated at 8:17 p.m. EST, Dec. 19, 2008
At least 10 Iraqis were killed or found dead and another eight were wounded in today’s attacks. A judge has admitted that the journalist shoe-lobber was beaten while in Iraqi custody. No Coalition deaths were reported.
The judge investigating the shoe-tossing incident involving U.S. President Bush and an Iraqi journalist has reported seeing bruises on the journalists face. The family of Muntazer al-Zaidi said they have not seen him since his detention, but have heard conflicting reports about his health and safety. Also, Iraqi preachers are demanding the journalist’s release.
Meanwhile, another judge has dropped all charges against a group of government officials who were arrested this week on suspicion of plotting a coup. There was speculation that the arrests were politically motivated.
Iraqi and Turkish Kurds have agreed to hold a peace conference to discuss ending decades of violence perpetrated by Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) members. The PKK declined to attend but welcomed the meeting. The separatist group wants an autonomous Kurdistan created from parts of Iraq, Turkey and three neighboring countries. Only Iraq has a semi-autonomous region dedicated as a Kurdish homeland.
Independent High Election Commission decided that Ninewa Province cannot postpone January election despite a council vote asking for a delay. The council wanted more time for residents who had fled violence to return home.
In Baghdad, seven disembodied heads and two bodies were recovered from a house in Ur. A bomb in Zayouna wounded six people.
In Mosul, the body of a female college student was discovered in her home.
A landmine injured two shepherds in Makhmour.
A bullet-riddled body was discovered in Kut.
The last of South Korea’s troops have returned home from Iraq. Macedonia also ended its mission.
Eleven suspects were detained across northern and central Iraq.
A suspect known as the “prince of slaughters” was captured in Iskandariya.
Two missiles fell on a U.S. base in Yathrib, but no reported of casualties were released.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
