A secret deal may be filling Iraq’s security forces with former Mahdi Army militiamen. Meanwhile, the uptick in violence continues. At least 30 Iraqis were killed and 54 more were wounded in attacks that focused on central Iraq.
At least three Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in light violence. Two U.S. soldiers were also wounded in one of several attacks staged, possibly, to make it appear the U.S. military is fleeing Iraq. Meanwhile, one protest in support of giving Salah ad Din province region status took place, while politician Ayad Allawi raised concerns that such designations could destabilize the country.
Turkish and Iraqi leaders met today to discuss relations between the two countries, particularly the question of Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. Separately, Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr came out supporting the current government of another Iraqi neighbor, Syria. Meanwhile, Iraqis are still suffering attacks. At least 11 were killed and 10 more were wounded in them. Also, the government executed 11 men who were found guilty of participating in terrorist activities.
Even as U.S. military officials and lawmakers argued over continued U.S. involvement in Iraq, another U.S. soldier was killed while conducting military operations in central Iraq. Separately, at least three Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in other attacks. Also, the debate over granting region status to more provinces rages on.
Iraq’s Turkmen are now wading in to the growing “regions” fray, calling on the central government to create two new provinces in northern Iraq and give them regional status. Across the country, at least four Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded.
Over the last two days, at least four Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in poorly covered attacks. Three Iranian pilgrims were killed as well, along with seven more who were injured during one bombing in Samarra. Due to the Eid al-Adha observances, reports were scant this week.
Only four attacks were reported today. In them, one Iraqi was killed and another was wounded. In polictical news, a U.S. ambassador is apologizing to Shi’ite Iraqis for not supporting their “Arab Spring” 20 years ago. The Iraqi premier, however, continues to harass Sunnis under the guise of chasing Ba’athists.
Violence left at least four Iraqis killed and 21 more wounded across the country. One death was labeled a suicide, but it may have actually been the result of torture.
Despite increases in security for the Eid al-Adha holiday, at least 11 Iraqis were killed and 32 more were wounded in today’s violence. The worst attack took place at a market in Baghdad that has been the scene of numerous attacks during prayer days and other religious observances.
A string of attacks, mostly around Baghdad, left seven Iraqis dead and 25 more wounded. The worst of them occurred just north of the capital at the home of a Sahwa member in Taji. To the east, residents of Camp Ashraf demanded an end to a fuel ban that could endanger them during the winter.
