Thousands of Iraqis demonstrated on the seventh anniversary of the fall of Baghdad, but violence itself remained light. At least three Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded. Also, foreigner of unknown nationality was wounded in Baghdad. Meanwhile, the Islamic State of Iraq militant group took responsibility for a deadly triple bombing targeting foreign embassies last Sunday but also denied any connection for a coordinated attack against apartment buildings just two days later.
An increase in violence targeting Shi’ite pilgrims added to today’s casualty figures. At least five Iraqis were killed and 41 more were wounded in sectarian and other assaults. Hundreds of thousands of Shi’ites are now traveling to Karbala for Arbaeen observances. Many are on foot, making them more vulnerable; however, the worst attack that occurred was against security personnel in Samarra. Meanwhile, a second prominent Iraqi leader is now threatening to declare a boycott of upcoming elections and perhaps throw the entire country into disarray. Also, the Islamic State in Iraq claimed responsibility for a blast at a crime lab on Tuesday.
Updated at 7:19 p.m. EDT, Oct. 27, 2009
Iraq remains mostly quiet in the aftermath of the deadliest bombings in two years. At least seven Iraqis were killed and two more were wounded in the latest violence. Most of the attention remains on Baghdad where politicians are being blamed for the attack. The compromise that was expected to break the elections law impasse as early as today fell apart overnight, fueling concerns that Sunni-led violence could soon increase. Separately, the U.S. drawdown has revealed how little attention to accountability was paid during the occupation.
