Yesterday, the government and allied Sunni tribes implemented a security operation in Anbar province, but they did not release figures until today. Also, a senior official warned of a worsening situation in the Falluja area. Meanwhile, Baghdad saw a number of bombings today, but only a few reports of violence came out of other regions. Overall, at least 73 Iraqis were killed and 111 more were wounded in the latest round of violence.
Deputy Interior Minister Adnan al-Asadi said that an upcoming operation in Falluja is expected to be difficult. He warned that the weaponry in the city could be of sufficient strength to "occupy Baghdad." Two civilians were injured during shelling yesterday. Also, there are reports that the insurgents have kidnapped several officials and tribal leaders, as the insurgents have consolidated their power and begun to exert their dominion over residents. Sporadic clashes are occurring.
At least five tribesmen were killed in yesterday’s assault on insurgents in the Ramadi area. Another 15 security personnel were wounded, either tribesmen or government forces. Seven gunmen were reported killed. Military operations are expected to continue in Ramadi.
In Khalidiya, a roadside bomb killed two policemen and a cameraman, who was traveling with them; three more people were wounded. Security forces reported killing up to 20 insurgents there and in the nearby villages of Jazira and Albu Bali.
Two soldiers were killed and three more were wounded during clashes in Saqlawiya.
An insurgent camp was destroyed near the Syrian border.
An Albu Faraj police station was set on fire.
In Baghdad, two bombs near court buildings in Hurriya left seven dead and 22 wounded. Seven people were killed and 18 more were wounded in a blast at a market in Abu Dsheer; a bomb on a nearby street left two more dead. A bomb killed four day laborers and wounded 15 more in Baghdad al-Jadida. A bomb in Shurta al-Rabeaa killed three people and wounded nine more. A blast killed three people and wounded 11 more in Bayaa. Three people were killed and eight more were wounded in Rashidiya. A Sahwa member was killed and four more were wounded in a blast in Doura.
In Qayara, two dumped bodies were recovered.
A bomb in Khanaqin left one dead and wounded another.
The bullet-ridded body of a woman was discovered in Samawa.
A dumped body bearing gunshot wounds was found in Suleimaniya.
In Mosul, a man was killed while trying to plant bombs.
