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 seven Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded in light violence. Shi’ite Iraqis began Ramadan fasting today. Also, the U.S. wants Iraq to increase its share of aid to victims of U.S. combat operations.
At least 21 Iraqis were killed and nine more were wounded as Ramadan began for Sunni Muslims. Meanwhile, Iraq’s top army officer, Lieutenant General Babakar Zebari, warned that the U.S. pullout is premature and asked politicians to find a way to fill the void after 2011. Ideally, he wants American troops to stay until 2020. Outgoing Ambassador Christopher Hill, however, is more hopeful and thinks the political deadlock over the premiership might break soon.
At least nine Iraqis were killed 40 more were wounded in new attacks. The attacks focused mostly in and near southern Baghdad. Meanwhile, Sunni Muslims are awaiting the sighting of the moon this evening, which will mark the start of Ramadan. In Baghdad, three bombs exploded on Eshreen Street in the Bayaa neighborhood, killing three …
Continue reading “Tuesday: 9 Iraqis Killed, 40 Wounded”
Updated at 9:05 p.m. Aug. 9, 2010
After a bloody pair of days, violence subsided somewhat, but at least seven Iraqis were killed and 34 were wounded in the latest attacks. Ramadan will likely begin for Sunnis tomorrow night and on Wednesday night for Shi’ite Muslims, depending on the sighting of the moon. The holiday has seen a surge in violence in the past and increased attacks are expected this year.
Although Anbar province took the brunt of today’s attacks, Baghdad and Mosul also saw a surge in violence. At least 40 Iraqis were killed and 109 more were wounded in those and a few other attacks. An American soldier died of unknown causes in Babel province as well. Meanwhile, the death toll in yesterday’s massive triple bombing in Basra rose to 43 dead; about 185 others were wounded.
Updated at 8:20 p.m. EDT, Aug. 6, 2010
A rash of attacks in Baghdad today highlighted a trend towards attacking vulnerable traffic policemen. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 29 more were wounded in those and other attacks In Baghdad. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda is offering to pay Sunnis to return fighting alongside them against the government. Also, the U.N. is reporting that 25 percent of Iraqis live below the poverty line and 30 percent are unemployed.
Updated at 2:40 p.m. EDT, Aug. 3, 2010
A rare car bombing in a southern, Shi’ite city and another flag-planting attack on security forces in the capital were just two of the many attacks witnessed across Iraq today. Overall, at least 53 Iraqis were killed and 123 more were wounded. The figures are expected to rise in the Kut bombing. Meanwhile, 26 Kurdish families have crossed the frontier into Iraqi Kurdistan to escape Iranian artillery attacks against suspected Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK) rebels.
Despite indications of a surge in violence, U.S. President Barack Obama promised to end U.S. combat operations on schedule this month and shift the Iraq mission to civilian and diplomatic efforts. Still, at least 14 Iraqis were killed and 36 more were wounded in new violence. Meanwhile, Kuwait marked the 20th anniversary of the country’s invasion by Iraqi troops and start of the first Gulf War. Also, Saudi Arabia is welcoming the opportunity to strengthen relations with Iraq and reign in Iran’s influence in the region.
