Updated at 11:51 p.m EST, Jan. 24, 2010
As Arbaeen observances culminate, the violence towards pilgrims continues. At least 29 were killed and 181 more were wounded in attacks across the country, but the deadliest occurred just outside Karbala. While most of the casualties, if not all, were Iraqi, some of the pilgrims may have been foreigners. Meanwhile, new allegations against an elite security force overseen directly by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki are surfacing.
Updated at 9:50 p.m. EST, Jan. 21, 2010
For the third day in a road, massive attacks targeting police and pilgrims have shocked Iraqis who hoped the seating of a new government would bring calm to the country. At least 61 were killed and 252 more were wounded in the violence which took place between Baquba and Karbala, including Baghdad, where many pilgrims are traveling by foot for Arbaeen observances.
Update at 9:01 p.m EST, Nov. 8, 2010
At least 40 people were killed and 130 more were wounded in new violence across Iraq. Two of the deadliest attacks targeted Shi’ite pilgrims near Iraq’s holiest sites. Although figures are inexact, at least 11 Iranian pilgrims were killed and as many as 63 were wounded in those cities alone. The pilgrims were visiting holy sites in Iraq just a week before the Eid al-Adha holiday begins. Meanwhile, Iraqi politicians met in Arbil where they were to have announced a deadlock-breaking deal concerning government formation, but instead bickered over the details until they ultimately agreed to continue discussions tomorrow.
The Accountability and Justice Commission reared its ugly head again even as Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki tries any tactic that could allow him to retain power. Meanwhile, a massive triple bombing took place in Karbala. Overall, at least 16 Iraqis were killed and 83 more were wounded in the latest violence.
Updated at 12:25 p.m. EST, Dec. 25, 2009 Although the Christmas holiday will be celebrated in Iraq tomorrow, gunmen chose to target Shi’ite Ashura pilgrims instead of Christians today. At least 46 Iraqis were killed and 194 more were wounded in mostly Ashura-related violence. One Iranian pilgrim was injured, though more victims could be foreign …
Continue reading “Thursday: 46 Iraqis Killed; 194 Iraqis, 1 Iranian Wounded”
Updated at 5:35 p.m. EDT, Oct. 14, 2009
At least 15 Iraqis were killed and 64 more were wounded in attacks that included bombings in the holy city of Karbala. Meanwhile, the government has released its first official death toll and approved a draft budget.
Updated at 6:21 p.m. EDT, Aug. 6, 2009
At least 14 Iraqis were killed and 42 more were wounded in light attacks. Thousands of Shi’ite pilgrims are traveling to Karbala to take part in a festival honoring the Twelfth Imam.
