Even as U.S. military officials and lawmakers argued over continued U.S. involvement in Iraq, another U.S. soldier was killed while conducting military operations in central Iraq. Separately, at least three Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in other attacks. Also, the debate over granting region status to more provinces rages on.
Iraq’s Turkmen are now wading in to the growing “regions” fray, calling on the central government to create two new provinces in northern Iraq and give them regional status. Across the country, at least four Iraqis were killed and 10 more were wounded.
As the prime minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, arrived in Baghdad to meet with Iraqi leaders, at least 14 Iraqis were killed and 52 more were wounded in attacks there and across Iraq.
Updated at 7:40 p.m. EDT, June 18, 2010 At least 46 Iraqis were killed and 114 were wounded in a series of significant attacks across the country. Most casualties were from two bombings north of Baghdad, but some smaller attacks were striking in their savagery. Meanwhile, the United Nations is investigating claims that Iraqi asylum seekers were mistreated before being deported back to Iraq, where the refugee problem remains discouraging.
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.
Updated at 11:45 p.m. EDT, Aug. 8, 2009
Over three million Shi’ite pilgrims peacefully visited Karbala to observe the birthday of the 12th Imam, a ninth century religious leader. An increase in security there may have spared those pilgrims in Karbala, but attacks targeting Shi’ites killed dozens across central and northern Iraq. Overall, at least 61 Iraqis were killed and 338 more were wounded throughout the country. Also, an Iranian passport was discovered next to a burnt corpse.
Updated at 11:42 p.m. EDT, July 9, 2009
The string of blasts that vexed Ninewa province yesterday continued with a major strike on the city of Tal Afar today. Overall, at least 60 Iraqis were killed and 172 more were wounded across Iraq. A U.S. soldier was found dead at a U.S. facility. In political news, U.S forces released five Iranian diplomats who were detained on suspicion of aiding local militants in Arbil. Also, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called for restraint from the Kurdish Regional Government.
Updated at 5:19 p.m. EDT, June 20, 2009
During a speech to a Turkmen group in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki vowed to enforce a June 30 deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities. This pronouncement came hours before a massive truck bomb ripped through the Turkmen village of Taza. Overall at least 94 Iraqis were killed and 231 others were wounded across Iraq. Also, a pair of bodies was handed over to British authorities belong to two British hostages who were kidnapped in 2007. Three other British hostages still missing.
