A Shi’ite militia known to have staged numerous attacks against Iraqi and U.S. targets since 2004 claims it is laying down its arms and seeking political office instead. Meanwhile, at least 10 Iraqis were killed and 31 more were wounded in new attacks. Again, pilgrims were targeted, but so was a parade honoring the anniversary of the founding of Iraq’s modern army in 1921.
Updated at 8:19 p.m. Dec. 8, 2010
At least four Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded in the latest violence. Seven Iranian pilgrims were also wounded in an attack while on their way to Karbala for Ashuraa observances. That holiday, which unintentionally marks the schism between Shi’ite and Sunni Islam, culminates next week and could mean an increase in violence, particularly for Iranian pilgrims. Also, A U.S. soldier died of wounds received during a sniper attack.
Updated at 2:09 p.m. EST, Dec. 4, 2010
Many of today’s casualties were Iranian pilgrims visiting Shi’ite religious sites. The attacks, which also struck at Iraqi Shi’ite neighborhoods, came soon after it was discovered that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s may have been placing inexperienced Shi’ite loyalists into security positions. About seven Iranians were killed and 45 more were wounded in these attacks. About 11 Iraqis were also killed and 88 more were wounded. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle made a brief, unannounced visit to Iraq.
Updated at 2:16 p.m., Nov. 2, 2010
In a still developing story, a series of at least 21 explosions in the capital has left scores of casualties. At least 120 people were killed across the country, while as many as 369 were wounded. These numbers are estimates and could change throughout the day and into tomorrow. In the United Kingdom, meanwhile, a student was found guilty of attacking a British lawmaker over his support for the Iraq war.
An armed group that claims to have kidnapped an American contractor in January may be holding a second American citizen. Also, an Iraqi appeals court has reversed its own decision allowing over 500 people on an election blacklist to run in March elections. While attacks were light today, at least three Iraqis were killed and eleven more were wounded in new violence.
At least five Iraqis were killed and one more was wounded even as Shi’ite pilgrims observe Arbaeen rituals in Karbala. Meanwhile an election blacklist thought struck down only a day ago could still be implemented. Also, Iraq wants to implement news rules on media outlets.
Updated at 8:58 p.m. EST, Feb. 3, 2009
Despite heightened security, two bombs exploded in or near the holy city of Karbala, where the blasts killed or wounded scores of Shi’ite pilgrims. Overall, at least 38 Iraqis were killed and 179 more were wounded across the country. Meanwhile, an Iraqi appeals court struck down a controversial election ban that prohibited hundreds of candidates from running in March elections. Also, the nation’s first female African-American POW has written a book describing her war experiences.
The first major bomb attack against Shi’ite pilgrims took place in northern Baghdad today, leaving scores dead or wounded. Overall, at least 56 Iraqis were killed and 138 more were wounded across the country. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims continue to make their way to Karbala for Arbaeen observances despite the attacks.
Attacks continued against Shi’ite pilgrims walking to Karbala for Arbaeen observances. Southern Baghdad seemed especially dangerous for the pilgrims who are often traveling on foot. Overall, at least six Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded across the country.
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.
