Two unidentified bodies found today in Baghdad frighteningly harkened back to the height of sectarian killings, but it was in Baquba and Ramadi where violence was focused today. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 49 more were wounded in a string of attacks across the country. Meanwhile, the court-martial of a Navy SEAL accused of not protecting a detainee has opened at a base outside Baghdad. Also, ballot recounting is now expected to begin next week.
Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas is charged with dereliction of duty and impeding an official investigation in a case involving an Iraqi prisoner suspected of involvement in the 2004 murder of four U.S. private security contractors. Huertas faces a year in prison if convicted during a controversial court martial taking place at a U.S. Victory Camp Base near Baghdad. Today, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Demartino testified that he saw a third servicemember punch the prisoner.
A bomb exploded at a restaurant popular with government officials near a school in Baquba, killing three people and wounding 14 others. A teacher and student were among the dead. Five suspects were arrested at separate locations. Outside the city, two army soldiers were killed and another was wounded while trying to defuse a bomb.
In Baghdad, two dumped bodies were recovered in separate locations. Two bombs in eastern Baghdad wounded five people. A policeman was wounded during a blast in Doura.
A bomb exploded on a Balad Ruz street, wounding four people.
Sixteen civilians were wounded in the Albu Faraj region near Ramadi during a mortar attack. This is likely the same event that reportedly left eight wounded during house bombings in Ramadi.
In Mosul, two policemen were wounded as they tried to defuse a bomb. Another bomb wounded six servicemembers.
A bomb factory was discovered in Ratba.
Six wanted suspects were captured in Kut.
Twelve suspects were arrested in Basra.
Cannon balls were found in Taza.A Turkish soldier was killed and another was wounded in Turkey’s Hakkari province when they triggered a land mine explosion. The mine is believed to be the work of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Democratic Party-Iran and the Liberation Forces of Eastern Kurdistan signed agreements promising to no longer use anti-personnel mines.
