Attacks Against Iraqi Security Forces Continue

Updated at 9:44 p.m. EDT Oct. 25, 2011 Attacks targeting security personnel continued across Iraq today, where they left eight Iraqis dead and 27 more wounded. Also, one U.S. soldier died of non-hostile causes in Tallil, and another U.S. soldier supporting Operation New Dawn died of an illness in Texas. Meanwhile, about 500-1000 Turkish troops may have entered northern Iraq, chasing after Kurdish rebels. No casualties have been reported yet, but the Kurdistan Workers Party (P.K.K.) says that some fighting already occurred. Turkey denied the incursion.

Seven Iraqis Killed in Several Attacks

At least seven Iraqis were killed and six more were wounded in a series of small attacks across the country. Meanwhile, President Obama claimed that all U.S. troops would leave Iraq by a Dec. 31 withdrawal deadline. That news came as Turkey said it would cooperate with Iran on eliminating the Kurdistan rebel threat.

US Closes Northern Iraq Base As Turkey Intensifies PKK Border Operations

The U.S. military moved forward with its drawdown operations by officially shutting down one of its regional headquarters today. The base oversaw areas of northern Iraq where Turkish troops continued their operations against Kurdish rebels. Meanwhile, at least four Iraqis were killed and 15 more were wounded in violence further south in Baghdad and Sadr City.

Bloody Iraq: 1 US Soldier, 13 Iraqis Killed; 90 Iraqis Wounded

At least 13 Iraqis were killed and 90 more were wounded in the latest violence. One attack, on security personnel, took place in Kirkuk where a U.S. general says American troops are no longer needed. Separately, a U.S. soldier was also killed in a rocket or mortar attack. Meanwhile, Turkey continued its aerial assault on suspected P.K.K. hideouts across northern Iraq.

Sahwa Fighter’s Family Slaughtered As 14 Are Killed in Iraq Violence

At least 14 Iraqis were killed and 41 more were wounded in the latest violence, which included a bloody attack on a Sahwa fighter’s family. Meanwhile, Iran has accepted a peace deal with P.J.A.K. rebels, but Turkey continues to bomb P.K.K. targets in northern Iraq. The P.K.K., not to be left out, kidnapped three schoolteachers in Turkey.

Turkish PM Meets With Iraq’s President As Attacks Leave 15 Dead

At least seven Iraqis were killed and five more were wounded in the latest reports, but in neighboring Turkey, suspected Kurdish rebels killed at least five policemen and wounded 12 others in a pair of attacks. Three rebels died.

Triple Suicide Bombing At Gov’t Complex in Anbar Province

New violence left at least 12 Iraqis dead and 28 more wounded. The worst attack occurred in Anbar province where, coincidentally, four Nukheib massacre suspects were finally released. Also, U.S. Admiral Mike Mullen said that the number of U.S. troops in Iraq should fall to 30,000 this month, a drop of about 15,000 troops.

US Soldier Dies In Iraq, First American Death In Two Months

At least two Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded in the latest attacks. A U.S. soldier also died, but it was in a non-hostile event. Meanwhile, U.S. troops helped locals in Halabja disarm a chemical rocket, and the controversial arrests of several Sunnis following a Shi’ite massacre took odd, new twists.