Sunday: 4 Iraqis, 2 Indians Killed; 34 People Wounded

At least four Iraqis were killed and 34 people were wounded in today’s incidents. Two Indian nationals were killed in a blast in Arbil as well. Also, the Islamic State of Iraq confirmed two militants killed last week were Abu Ayyub al-Masri and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, but reports that Saddam’s vice president, Izzat al-Douri, was killed or captured were premature.

Monday: 1 US Soldier, 4 Iraqis, Masri, Baghdadi Killed

The confirmation of the deaths of two al-Qaeda figures on the U.S. most wanted list outweighed even the revelation of a secret Iraqi prison where hundreds of Sunni men may have tortured and the recount of votes from the national election. Meanwhile, at least four Iraqis were killed and 11 more were wounded in other attacks. Also, a U.S. soldier died of non-combat injuries in Basra.

Tuesday: 2 Iraqis Killed, 15 Wounded; Mass Grave Found

Although few casualties were reported today, a message from an al-Qaeda leader is raising fears of a coming surge in violence. At least two Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded in today’s attacks. Also, a Saddam-era mass grave gave up about 20 victims. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki stressed that he will not recognize election results until there is a recount. In the U.S., a four star general testified in a hearing concerning the murder of Iraqis in Haditha five years ago.

Saturday: 2 Iraqis Killed; 22 Wounded

While there were few reports of attacks out of the country today, a string of blasts struck political targets in Baghdad, where the main talk of the day centered on the legitimacy of the upcoming election. Should Iraqis bow out of participating, it could re-ignite sectarian fighting if it has not already. At least two Iraqis were killed and 22 were wounded in the latest violence.

Monday: 22 Iraqis Killed, 43 Wounded

Updated 8:45 p.m. EDT, June 1, 2009 At least 22 Iraqis were killed and 43 more were wounded in attacks that included bombings in Baghdad and Mosul. Another mass grave was discovered in Diyala province as well. Meanwhile, a man claiming to be militant leader Abu Omar al-Baghdadi released a new audiotape and again denied reports that he is in custody. Iraqi politicians demanded a halt to occupation reparations for Kuwait. And, the Red Cross helped 260 Iranian militants living in Iraq return home.

Wednesday: 43 Iraqis Killed, 79 Wounded

Updated at 4:31 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2009 A major car bombing in the capital interrupted an otherwise quiet day in Iraq. At least 43 Iraqis were reported killed and 79 more were wounded. The only political news came from Diyala where the police chief reiterated the central government’s claims that the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq is in custody and added that the man was also a provincial politician.

Monday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 14 Wounded

Updated at 7:17 p.m. EDT, May 18, 2009 At least five Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in the latest attacks. A man the Iraqi government claims is a top leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq gave a detailed interview to security officials on his alleged operations. Also, Iraq’s Federal Court selected January 30 as the date for the next general elections. These will be the first national elections since late 2005. Meanwhile, a leading politician in Diyala was arrested.

Wednesday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 13 Wounded; 100 Kurdish Bodies Found In Mass Grave

Updated at 8:45 p.m. EDT, May 13, 2009 At least five Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in the latest attacks, but security forces also found an old mass grave containing about 100 bodies in Diwaniya. No Coalition deaths were reported. Meanwhile, Iraq again claimed they have an al-Qaeda leader in custody and U.S. forces returned the ancient city of Ur back to Iraqi control.