Updated at 12:15 a.m EST, Dec. 17, 2007
Although analysts argue that a major Turkish invasion is not imminent, Turkish warplanes crossed deep into Iraq and bombed several purported rebel locations. In other news, Britain formally handed over control of security in Basra to the Iraqis. Overall, 90 Iraqis were killed and 30 more were wounded throughout Iraq. Also, the DOD reported that one American soldier died of non-combat-related wounds in Baghdad on Thursday.
Details are still sketchy, but local officials in northern Iraq reported that one woman was killed, five others were wounded, and hundreds had to flee their homes today when Turkish warplanes bombed the area. Other sources noted that a Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) headquarters was bombed directly; one person was killed and six others were wounded in that incident. The PKK reported that five of their fighters were killed overnight. Turkish sources said about 50 planes took part in the effort, but they only targeted rebel locations and not villages.
A clash between Sunni tribesmen and al-Qaeda suspects in Baquba left 18 tribesmen and 35 gunmen dead. Three policemen were killed and two more wounded during clashes; an al-Qaeda suspect was also killed. A suicide car bomber wounded three people near an education department building. Also, the morgue released 31 unidentified bodies for burial; morgues throughout Iraq will bury unclaimed bodies en masse after a certain period.
In Baghdad, an IED was detonated near the Sarafiya Bridge, wounding four civilians. In Waziriya, a convoy belonging to the Rasafa Health Dept. director struck a roadside bomb; three people and a traffic cop were wounded. Also, three dumped bodies were recovered.
Two policemen were killed and three more were wounded during a roadside bombing east of Karbala. Near Karbala University, two policemen were injured as they were defusing a bomb found there. A second bomb was defused successfully and without injury.
Four bodies, including one belonging to a woman, were found in Mosul yesterday.
In Haditha, gunmen attacked an Anbar Awakening Council checkpoint. Four gunmen were killed during the clashes.
Two people, one a policeman, were killed in separate incidents in Balad Ruz.
The governor of Babel province survived an assassination attempt while traveling on a highway between Hilla and the capital. No casualties were reported.
In Saqlawiya, a roadside bomb destroyed a U.S. humvee, but no casualties were reported.
No casualties were reported when gunmen blew up a liquor store in Kafri.
In Tal Afar, 74 families, who had been forced to flee, were able to return home thanks to improving conditions.
A gunman and three policemen were killed during an armed attack on a checkpoint near Baquba in Zaghaniyah.
U.S. forces killed six suspects and detained 23 during security operations in northern and central Iraq. Three suspects were arrested in Karbala. Also, Iraqi forces killed one gunman and captured 48 more suspects.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi government is planning on releasing thousands of detainees in an effort at reconciliation between Sunnis and Shi’ites. Approximately 50,000 prisoners are now being held in Iraqi and U.S. custodies without charges.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
