Updated at 7:35 p.m. EDT, Aug. 10, 2009
About 72 Iraqis were killed and 356 more were wounded in a devastating day in Iraq. Once again, Ninewa province and Baghdad bore the brunt of the violence. No Coalition deaths were reported. Back in the U.S. though, the Spokane VA Center reported that they had underestimated the suicide rate among local vets. Also, an Iran exile group accused the Iraqi government of human rights violations and asked the Pentagaon to retake control of Camp Ashraf, where about 3,500 Iranian exiles reside.
Updated at 8:55 p.m. EDT, Aug. 9, 2009
A British contractor apparently killed two foreign contractors today in Baghdad’s Green Zone. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 24 more were wounded across the country, including one in the contractor incident. Meanwhile, a member of parliament’s defense committee said that only 10,000 U.S. troops would remain in Iraq by the middle of next year.
Updated at 5:56 p.m. EDT, Aug. 5, 2009
At least 13 Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Eleven Iraqi pilgrims were kidnapped as well. Also, a U.S. soldier died in a non-combat incident yesterday.
At least three Iraqis were killed and nine more were wounded in light violence. Karbala is on high alert for potential attacks ahead of Friday’s religious observance. Also, Gen. Ray Odierno publicly disagreed with a memo suggesting that U.S. troops could accelerate withdrawal from Iraq.
Updated at 7:35 p.m. EDT, July 31, 2009
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates suggested that improving conditions might allow for a slightly accelerated withdrawal of U.S. troops, but a coordinated series of prayer day bombings at Baghdad mosques could undermine that position. Overall, at least 37 Iraqis were killed and 156 more were wounded across the country.
Updated at 9:09 p.m. EDT, July 30, 2009
At least 17 Iraqis were killed and 63 more were wounded in attacks across the country. No further deaths were reported at Camp Ashraf, but the Iraqi government finally admitted that some of the residents were killed. No Coalition deaths were reported.
Updated at 7:05 p.m. EDT, July 28, 2009
At least 18 Iraqis were killed and 27 more were wounded the latest attacks. Dozens more were reported beaten at Camp Ashraf. The day was also marked by political developments: The Iraqi government failed to produce a security pact that would have allowed British troops to remain in the country. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates toured a southern Iraq base where top Iraqi commander, Gen. Ray Odierno accused Iran of meddling in upcoming Iraqi elections. Also, Turkey prefers asking Iraq to help stop the PKK rather than talk peace directly with the rebel group.
At least six Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded in light violence. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki paid a visit to Anbar province. No Coalition casualties were reported.
Updated at 7:41 p.m. EDT, July, 3, 2009
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spent part of his three-day trip to Iraq speaking with Gen. Ray Odierno and Ambassador Christopher Hill over breakfast. He also plans to meet with President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Several NFL coaches visited Iraq also, as part of a USO trip. Meanwhile, three Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded across northern Iraq.
Updated at 12:25 a.m. EDT, June 23, 2009
A surge in bombings intensified in the Baghdad area. At least 43 Iraqis were killed and 114 more were wounded there and across the country. Three U.S. soldiers were also wounded and two more were possibly killed during a bombing in Abu Ghraib. Back in the U.S., an Army chaplain who was gravely wounded in Iraq in 2004 has died; the cause of death was not released, but the chaplain was still receiving care for his injuries.
