Updated at 8:30 p.m. EST, Jan. 30, 2009
Severe security measures are being imposed across Iraq ahead of tomorrow’s elections. Despite the increase in security, at least five Iraqis were killed and 20 wounded when police failed to detonate a bomb safely. One U.S. soldier was killed. Meanwhile, Iraq’s foreign minister said the country is encouraged by reassurances that the U.S troops will not withdraw too quickly.
The country’s borders were sealed as part of severe security measures in place for the election tomorrow. Mosul sealed itself off early and residents were told not to leave their homes except to go to the polls. Basra will be under similar restrictions. Meanwhile, Iraq has not only violence to worry about during the election but fraud as well.
A gunman killed a U.S. soldier and wounded a second during an incident outside a polling booth near Tikrit in al-Rifaie. The gunman was killed and his brother was arrested.
A bomb brought to a police compound in Diwaniya exploded s police were trying to defuse it. Three policemen were killed and 20 more were wounded. About 15,000 policemen are on duty there to protect voters.
One gunman was killed and three more were arrested in connection with the death of a political candidate in Mandili yesterday.
Gunmen attacked the home of a Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC) member in Kut, where they burned his car.
A suspected bomber was arrested in Ouja, Saddam Hussein’s birthplace. He allegedly confessed to planning an attack on a polling station.
A vehicle ban was imposed on Karbala, while security personnel discovered explosives.
Dhi Qar province also added a ban to their security measures.
An ammunition cache was discovered in Fallujah.
Four suspects were detained in Muqdadiyah and a weapons cache was seized.
A weapons cache was found in Balad Ruz.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
