Friday: 34 Iraqis, 1 US Soldier Killed; 189 Iraqis Wounded
Updated at 9:50 a.m. EST, Feb. 26, 2011
Despite repeated attempts to prevent Iraqis from venting their frustration with government corruption and poor services, thousands gathered across the country for a “day of rage.” In several cities, the protests became destructive and deadly, but in others some of the protestors’ demands were met. At least 34 Iraqis were killed and 189 more were wounded in demonstrations and other violence. The figures are likely to be higher as some reports had propotionally low figures for civilian wounded. Separately, a U.S. airman was killed in a vehicular accident at a base in Qatar. Also, members of Human Rights Watch reported seeing Baghdad police attack protestors earlier this week, while Reporters Without Borders condemned a ban on live coverage of events from Baghdad’s Tahrir Square.