Nearly a million Sadr supporters descended on Basra to join an annual gathering that marks the end of the Saddam regime. Meanwhile, at least nine Iraqis were killed and 56 more were wounded in new violence. A series of evening attacks troubled the ethnically diverse Diyala province.
In what may be too obvious a message against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a suicide bomber attacked the Interior Ministry, leaving dozens of victims. Overall, at least 14 Iraqis were killed and 41 more were wounded in that and other assaults across the country. Three Iranian pilgrims were also wounded in an attack in Dujail. Meanwhile, the political upheaval Maliki launched continues to threaten the coalition government.
At least 10 people were killed and 18 more were wounded in new violence across the country. Meanwhile, followers of Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr staged demonstrations in a number of cities, and the Turkish Prime Minister warned of uniting with Iran against Kurdish rebels.
At least six Iraqis were killed and 16 more were wounded in new violence. A report of beaten journalists yesterday became clearer when Basra police admitted five were assaulted in their custody. Meanwhile, the Sadrists promised not to stage protests for six months, giving the government time to improve. The chief of police in Basra …
Continue reading “Saturday: 6 Iraqis Killed, 21 Wounded”
At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 31 more were wounded in newly reported violence. Only one of a small number of attacks was significant, and it was the cause of most of today’s casualties.
Last minute bickering from the Sadrist bloc has delayed voting for the new cabinet for at least one day, but attacks continued without debate. At least two Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded, while security forces killed four Libyans accused of planning Christmas Day attacks. Also, Amnesty International has called on Iraq to protect its Christian population.
Updated at 9:40 p.m. EST, Dec. 1, 2010
At least eight Iraqis were killed and eight more were wounded in light violence. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Col. Darsie D. Rogers Jr. said that American special forces now conduct about 25 operations a week–mostly to advise Iraqi forces–or about half as many as they did this time last year. Also, the Sadrists have likely made the greatest gains of any political group since March elections.
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 8:22 p.m. EDT, May 29, 2010
The drawn-out selection of the next prime minister continues to vex both citizens and the men who propose to run the country, as the current prime minister continues to fight for a second term. Meanwhile, a Kurdish rebel leader threatens to bow out of the peace process with Turkey over disinterest from Ankara. Also, light violence left at least eight Iraqis dead and six more wounded.
At least eight Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded in the latest attacks, which included an artillery strike from Iranian territory. No U.S. casualties were reported despite two direct attacks on troops. Also, it appears that P.M. Maliki is locked in to be the premier for another term.
