At least three Iraqis were killed and two more were wounded in new attacks. Also, one U.S. soldier was killed in a small arms attack today, and another U.S. soldier died during physical training on Friday. Thousands of Iraqi pilgrims are making their way. Meanwhile, Iraq has run out of money to pay widow’s benefits and for other poverty alleviation programs.
The only reports of violence came out of Mosul today, where a bomb targeted a convoy carrying three Iraqiya lawmakers. While it did not harm them, the blast killed one bodyguard and injured two others. South of town, gunmen killed a guard working for an oil facility. Meanwhile, Secretary-General of Iraq’s National Chaldean Council demanded self-rule and more protection for Iraqi Christians. News reports are scant this week because of Eid al-Adha observances.
The Eid al-Adha holiday continues in Iraq, where at least one Iraqi was killed and 24 more were wounded in new violence. The numbers likely fall short of the real toll as religious observances have cut into the number of reports leaking out of the country. Meanwhile, Christian leaders are worried that a new exodus could spell the end of Christianity in Iraq.
Sunni Iraqis who did not travel to Mecca observed Eid al-Adha at home today, while Shi’ite Iraqis must wait until tomorrow. The holiday either reduced violence or prevented reports from reaching the news wires, as the only reported attacks occurred in Mosul. At least five Iraqis were killed there and two more were wounded in the last day or so. The government did take steps to protect the public during the Eid, including deploying about 28,000 security personnel in Diyala province.
Updated at 6:59 p.m. EST, Nov. 30 2009
The Health Ministry reported the lowest casualty figures since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. According to their figures, less than 100 Iraqis were killed in November; howver, at least four Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded, many after the release of those results. The Eid al-Adha winds down today, so reports should normalize in the next day or so.
Updated at 8:10 p.m. EST, Nov. 26, 2009
On the eve of Eid al-Adha, at least nine Iraqis were killed and 54 more wounded. The holiday, which commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, is set to begin Friday for Sunnis and Saturday for Shi’ites.
