Updated at 4:52 p.m. EDT, Aug. 25, 2010
A two-hour long multiple attack against Iraq’s fragile security forces took place in major cities throughout Iraq, leaving no region untouched. At least 92 Iraqis were killed and 379 more were wounded in the apparently coordinated attacks. Although security personnel were the focus of the violence, many civilians were caught up in the mayhem as well. The bloodiest attacks took place in relatively quiet Kut and in the capital. Meanwhile, a member of the Iraqiya list, which won the most seats in parliament, called for an emergency session to discuss today’s development. A similar day of violence in Baghdad last August was dubbed “Bloody Wednesday.” Today’s attacks may have left less casualties in their wake, but the reach of the attacks — from Basra to Ninewa to Diyala and Anbar, with Baghdad in the middle — was astouding by any measure.
At least 21 Iraqis were killed and 52 more were wounded in various attacks across the country. The U.S. military said the number of U.S. troops in Iraq now numbers around 49,700 and will stay that way until next year’s actual withdrawal. This completes the removal of “combat troops” from the country.
At least 13 Iraqis were killed and 28 more were wounded in attacks across the country. One of the casualties came from an Iranian artillery attack launched into Iraqi Kurdistan. Meanwhile, the political deadlock over the next prime minister continued, but U.S. Vice President Joe Biden called for a resolution soon.
The first U.S. soldier to die since the withdrawal of combat troops this week was killed in during a rocket attack in Basra today. At least four Iraqis were killed and 43 more were wounded in other attacks.
At least three Iraqis were killed and one more were wounded in light violence. Despite a general decrease in attacks, women in Baghdad are arming themselves for protection.
Updated at 8:29 p.m. EDT, Aug. 20, 2010
At least four Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in light violence. Despite the much-reported withdrawal of U.S. combat troops two days ago, a U.S. patrol came under a thermal bomb attack in Kirkuk. No casualties were reported in that incident. The U.S. military says that 52,000 American servicemembers remain in the country.
Updated at 8:10 p.m. Aug. 19, 2010
At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded in light attacks that concentrated on security personnel. A day after U.S. combat forces left Iraq, Maj. Gen. Stephen Lanza said that Iraqi forces are capable of keeping security but selecting the new government would help. About 56,000 troops will remain to assist the Iraqis; however, the final withdrawal of Americans could be as late as 2020 depending on conditions.
Updated at 8:29 p.m. EDT, Aug. 18, 2010
The last brigade of U.S. combat troops crossed the border into Kuwait very early Thursday morning local time, two weeks ahead of the official drawdown deadline set by Washington. Although approximately 50,000 personnel will remain in Iraq and combat conditions will continue for many of those left behind, the withdrawal of the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division is a symbolic end to combat operations.
Separately, the new U.S. ambassador to Iraq, James Jeffrey, arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday where he met with leaders to formally accept his new post. Baghdad was also the scene of numerous if small attacks against government officials, but the most gruesome attack occurred in Diyala where gunmen left the following message on their victims: “This is the future for all those who cooperate with the U.S. military and Iraqi security forces.” Overall, at least 25 Iraqis were killed and 33 more were wounded.
Updated at 10:27 p.m. EDT, Aug. 17, 2010
A large blast killed and wounded dozens at an army center in Baghdad, while another explosion left more casualties. Overall, at least 81 Iraqis were killed and 178 more were wounded across the country. Eight other attacks targeting judges were also reported. U.S. officials said the drawdown would continue despite the violence.
At least three Iraqis were killed and seven more were wounded in the latest attacks. A U.S. soldier was also killed during a hostile attack in Baquba. Nearby, four Iranian tourists were killed and nine were wounded in a separate attack in Diyala province. Casualties were also reported in an attack in Fallujah.
