Updated at 6:19 p.m. EDT, April, 26, 2009
Some Iraqi politicians are demanding that U.S. soldiers involved in a deadly raid yesterday be tried in Iraqi courts. Otherwise, the day remained rather quiet in Iraq. Only four Iraqis were reported killed and 10 more were wounded. Meanwhile, the Iraqi archbishop condemned yesterday’s attacks on Christians in Mosul as religious terrorism. Also, the Commission on Wartime Contracting uncovered alarming security problems involving Ugandan and other African troops at U.S. bases in Iraq.
U.S. soldiers involved in yesterday’s deadly raid in Kut could find themselves on trial in Iraqi court if some Iraqi politicians have their way. The Iraqis claim that the soldiers acted without permission from the Iraqi government; however, two Iraqi commanders were detained by Iraq over their authorization of the raid. A U.S. spokesman later said that those involved wanted to give their "deepest condolences for the terrible tragedy." Two Iraqis were killed in the operation. Back in the U.S., the Federal trial of a former soldier accused of rape and murder opened today.
Deficiencies in training and equipment involving Ugandan and other African troops were uncovered by the Commission on Wartime Contracting; however, the most alarming revelation might be that a private security contractor fired an employee for telling investigators about these problems.
In Mosul, two Iraqi soldiers and a civilian were injured in a roadside bomb blast. Also, a body bearing gunshot wounds was discovered. A woman was killed in the crossfire between U.S. forces and gunmen. Also, Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari said that U.S. troops will have to leave Mosul by June 30th, as they will do in other Iraqi cities.
Duluiya police reported two more deaths during U.S. raids yesterday in and around the city and said four suspects had been wounded. U.S. authorities reported the deaths of only seven. Eight more suspects were detained by the end of the day as well.
A shepherd was wounded near Arbil in the Qosh-Tappa area.
In Baghdad, gunmen threw a grenade at a police patrol, injuring two policemen, near the Jadiriyah Bridge.
Basra’s chief of police survived an assassination attempt in Salman Pak unharmed.
Six suspects were detained in Basra province. Recent “security” operations in the province seem to be internecine harassment of rival militia groups.
Seven suspects were captured in Riyadh.
In Hilla, three “special groups” members were arrested. “Special groups” refers to militiamen suspected of having support from Iran. Iran denies the allegation.
Missan province officials installed 118 security cameras at two hospitals in Amara in order to observe workers.
A female suicide bomber was detained at a checkpoint in Muqdadiya.
