Tag: Camp Ashraf

Friday: 31 Iranians, 8 Iraqis Killed; 300 Iranians, 21 Iraqis Wounded

Once again, an Iranian refugee camp in eastern Iraq was the scene of a deadly raid. According to one source approximately 31 Iranians were killed and over 300 more were wounded during the operation. About 13 Iraqi personnel were also injured in the raid. Elsewhere in Iraq, attacks continued as well, leaving eight dead and … Continue reading “Friday: 31 Iranians, 8 Iraqis Killed; 300 Iranians, 21 Iraqis Wounded”

Tuesday: 6 Iraqis Killed, 5 Wounded

At least six Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in light violence. The only reports of attacks came from Baghdad and cities just north of the capital. Meanwhile, A Spanish court opened an investigation into possible crimes against humanity at Camp Ashraf, where thousands of Iranian exiles have established a home. Under its universal jurisdiction doctrine, Spain claims authority in foreign countries where crimes against humanity may have occurred.

Friday: 3 Iraqis Killed, 9 Wounded

At least three Iraqis were killed and nine more were wounded in light violence. Both Iranian refugees at Camp Ashraf and Iraqi journalists throughout the country have long maintained they are the targets of illegal harassment under the Maliki government. Two significant stories that were published today appear to support their allegations. European lawmakers are asking the United States and United Nations to help the People’s Mujahedeen Organization of Iran (Mujahedeen-e-Khalq). Part of the aid would include removing the group from the U.S. State Department’s list of terrorist organizations. The group, which has lived at Camp Ashraf for the last two decades, had fought against their home country alongside Saddam in the 1980s, but is also accused of helping Saddam suppress the Kurds. After the 2003 invasion, the M.E.K. (also P.M.O.I) came under the authority of U.S. forces, but their protection ended at the beginning of 2009. Since then, several reports of abuse, harassment and even a deadly raid demonstrate the Iraqi government’s desire to be rid of the refugees. No third country currently will take them and they fear being returned to Iran. Cairo-based al-Baghdadiya T.V. shut down its Iraq operations, accusing Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of censorship and personally meddling in their negotiations with the authority that controls the media. Furthermore, security forces have occupied the channel’s studios since last month, when the station broadcast the demands of gunmen who were holding hostages at a Baghdad church. They also allege that their journalists are in imminent danger of arrest. Al-Baghdadiya’s most famous journalist is arguably Muntazer al-Zaidi, who threw his shoes at former-U.S. President George Bush during a press conference with Maliki. In Baghdad, a roadside bomb planted near a Karrada restaurant wounded three civilians. A bomb targeting police wounded six people in Ghazaliya. A police officer was shot dead. An Interior Ministry official was killed in a separate shooting. In Kut, five suspects were captured in connection with the death of a civilian yesterday. Mortars fell on a U.S. base in Hilla, but no casualties were reported. Thirty suspects were detained in Basra province.

Tuesday: 15 Iraqis Killed, 63 Wounded

Updated at 9:59 p.m. EST, Dec. 15, 2009 Bombs targeted Baghdad governmental institutions today, exactly a week after “Bloody Tuesday” left hundreds dead or wounded. Mosul was equally affected, but those attacks were directed at Christian targets instead. At least 15 Iraqis were killed and 63 more were wounded across the country. The attacks also indirectly affected Camp Ashraf as a number of journalists heading to the immigrant camp were awaiting transport together near a blast site. Also, the ongoing PKK difficulties claimed two more lives in Turkey. Meanwhile, an epidemic of veteran suicides is plaguing soldiers who have returned home only to battle emotional enemies.

Monday: 8 Iraqis Killed, 32 Wounded

Updated at 8:50 p.m. EST, Dec. 14, 2009 At least eight Iraqis were killed and 32 more were wounded in the latest violence. One small attack took place last week, but the delayed account highlights the difficulties in reporting casualties in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, female servicemembers who have returned home to the United States report having difficulties transitioning back into society. Also, Iran says it will try three American hikers who crossed into the country from Iraq, and new details arose from an investigation into the Bloody Tuesday bombings.

Thursday: 1 US Soldier, 3 Iraqis Killed; 11 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 3:59 p.m. EST, Dec. 10, 2009 Although only three Iraqis were killed and 11 more were wounded in the latest reports, there were other significant developments coming out of Iraq. Tuesday’s bloody bombings in Baghdad continued to dominate the news from various angles, but the closing of Camp Ashraf could soon take the attack’s place in the headlines. One U.S. soldier was also killed as U.S. Secretary Gates dropped in on Iraqi officials.