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 10 Iraqis were killed and 35 more wounded as Turkey, Iran and the United States reported carrying out air strikes and shelling against militants in Iraq.
At least six Iraqis were killed and 27 were wounded in the latest violence, which also left one U.S. soldier dead. Because of a Shi’ite religious observance that climaxes tomorrow, reports are likely undercounting casualties to a greater extent than normal.
Despite a much-publicized “withdrawal” of U.S. troops last summer, American soldiers are still celebrating Christmas in Baghdad, but attacks have not stopped. At least 10 Iraqis were killed and nine more were wounded in the latest violence.
Updated at 11:21 p.m. EDT, June 24, 2010
The formation of the new government came across a new roadblock, this one over the failure of two large Shi’ite groups to compromise on the selection of the next prime minister. This new delay could mean further destabilization of Iraq’s fragile security gains. At least 24 Iraqis were killed and 33 more were wounded in attacks that targeted security personnel. Also, Gen. David Petraeus, who once commanded American forces in Iraq, is now in charge of operations in Afghanistan.
Updated at 6:10 p.m. EDT, May 4, 2010
At least five Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded in the latest attacks, while two U.S. soldiers were killed in separate, non-combat events. The Mahdi Army has officially revived its public face in what it says is an attempt to keep violence in check and ensure the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Meanwhile, the British Ministry of Defence is looking into allegations that Britain took part in chemical warfare. Also, Iraqis have begun to address the psychological effects of the war and look into the number of people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and similar conditions.
Attacks tapered off today, but at least eight Iraqis were killed and 21 more wounded in new violence. Also, a U.S. Dept. of Defense employee of unknown nationality died of unreported causes. Meanwhile, an offer to restart the Mahdi Army was turned down by Iraqi officials, but rogue elements could be operating within the official security forces.
Memories of prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib have resurfaced as a military appeals court reviews whether the judge in one case conducted the trial properly. Meanwhile, Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani encouraged voters to participate in next month’s national elections. At least eight Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in light violence. Also, there are rumors that the Mahdi Army may be resurfacing as sectarian violence appears to be re-igniting.
Updated at 7:00 p.m. EST, Jan. 6, 2010 As Iraq celebrated Army Day, which honors the founding of the country’s army 89 years ago, at least nine Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in several incidents. One U.S. soldier died from combat-related injuries while on patrol in Baghdad as well. In the U.K., …
Continue reading “Wednesday: 1 US Soldier, 9 Iraqis Killed; 18 Iraqis Wounded” 
