Updated at 8:00 p.m. EST, January 5, 2012
Despite serious attempts to prevent attacks against Shi’ite pilgrims traveling in Iraq, bombers were still able to reach them. The worst violence took place south of Baghdad, but the capital also saw great loss of life. Overall, at least 84 people were killed and 157 more were wounded in the attacks. Although most, if not all, were Iraqis, some of the casualties could have been foreign visitors.
About two million Shi’ite pilgrims are in Karbala for the climax of Ashuraa rituals. Heavy security, including the arrests of three female bombers, has so far prevented any large-scale violence today, but attackers targeting pilgrims in other parts of the country were more successful. At least 14 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded.
Because of Ashuraa observances, reports of violence have been scant the last few days except for significant attacks. Only six casualties were reported today and all of them survived. However, there were a number of important news stories in the headlines today.
Updated at 10:12 p.m. EST, Nov. 30, 2010
Even though U.S. troops are set to leave Iraq next year, the U.S. State Department and Pentagon believe it will stay expensive to keep remaining Americans safe in the country. Iraqi civilians also must worry about such attacks and other hardships they continue to suffer now. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 12 more were wounded in today’s light attacks.
Updated at 12:58 p.m. EST, Dec. 27, 2009 Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are in Karbala to participate in the climax of Ashura observances. Despite increased security, attacks kept some pilgrims from reaching the holy city. At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 51 more were wounded across the country. Also, U.S, Army Maj. Gen. …
Continue reading “Saturday: 16 Iraqis Killed, 51 Wounded”
Updated at 8:25 p.m. EST, Dec. 25, 2009 At least 27 Iraqis were killed and 83 more were wounded in both Ashura-related violence and other attacks. In northern Iraq, Shabaks and Christians fought over decorations at a church. Meanwhile, a controversial rule that would punish pregnant soldiers was dropped when the U.S. military issued new …
Continue reading “Friday: 27 Iraqis Killed, 83 Wounded”
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 11:53 p.m. EST, Dec. 23, 2009 Attacks targeting Christians and Shi’ites left dozens dead or wounded in the days leading to important holidays for both groups. Christmas occurs on Friday, while Ashura begins at sunset on Saturday. At least 23 Iraqis were killed and 67 more were wounded across the country in these …
Continue reading “Wednesday: 23 Iraqis Killed, 67 Wounded”
At least two Iraqis were killed and 21 were wounded in the latest attacks. One attack was against Shi’ite pilgrims heading to Baghdad for an important religious observance. Another attack took place in Garma where Iraqi security forces killed a policeman. No Coalition troops were reported killed.
