Updated at 10:48 p.m. EDT, Apr. 12, 2009
At least six Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Some Christians were able to enjoy the Easter holiday, but many remained at home. Meanwhile, a U.S. soldier was killed this morning in Salah ad Din province, and four American soldiers were injured during a separate bomb blast in Taji. Also, Gen. Raymond Odierno says it will be up to the prime minister whether or not U.S. troops will abandon Iraqi cities in June.
Iraq’s Christians took advantage of security gains to publicly celebrate Easter in Baghdad, but many in Mosul were forced to stay home. Last fall, a surge in attacks on Christians forced many to flee the violent, northern city. Mosul is perhaps the last major city not to be under control, and Christians are especially wary of violence.
In Baghdad, a roadside bomb blast in Jisr Diyala left seven people with injuries. Nearby in Zaafaraniya, another bomb injured two policemen.
In Mosul, gunmen killed two policemen at separate checkpoints, while a third policeman was wounded in a drive-by shooting. Two policemen were wounded during a bomb blast. A civilian was shot to death late in the evening.
A roadside bomb killed two members of an Awakening Council in Yathrib.
Gunmen killed a taxi driver near Arbil.
Security raids netted 29 suspects across Basra province. Two I.E.D.s were also defused.
Heightened security preceded a meeting of the new Ninewa provincial council.