Updated at 10:35 p.m. EST, Dec. 25, 2007
After a brief holiday break, violent attacks resumed in Iraq. At least 66 Iraqis were killed or found dead and another 105 were wounded. No Coalition deaths were reported. Also, Turkey continues to bomb Kurd rebel areas in northern Iraq.
A suicide bomber in Baiji killed 29 people and wounded 80 more at a checkpoint located next to a residential complex housing oil company workers.
In Baquba, a suicide bomber attacked a funeral for two 1920 Revolution Brigades members. According to separate sources, 10 people were killed and 21 more were wounded. Many, if not all of the victims, were members of the organization, which has joined forces with Coalition troops. Separately, gunmen blew up a police station, killing two policemen.
U.S. forces raided a home in Mosul where they killed a man and his son. Another son was arrested. The man was a former air force officer during the Saddam regime. Also, the governor of Ninewah province survived an assassination attempt; a roadside bomb wounded his driver and a bodyguard instead.
Three unidentified bodies were found dumped in Baghdad.
In Muqdadiyah, an Awakening Council member was gunned down and two others were wounded.
A dumped body was found in Ramadi.
Gunmen blew up a power station in Tikrit, leaving much of the city without power.
U.S. forces killed 13 suspects and detained 27 others in central and northern Iraq. Two gunmen were killed and four were arrested near Baquba; those arrested were captured at a Red Crescent (part of the International Red Cross) office. In Baghdad and in Diyala province, Iraqi forces killed one suspect and arrested four others. Eleven suspects were detained in Kirkuk. Also, eight suspects were arrested in Missan province.
Also, Turkey continues to conduct air raids over purported Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) locations near the Turkish border. No casualties were reported as most of the residents have already fled the area; however, Turkey is reporting that hundreds of PKK rebels were killed during an incursion that took place 10 days ago. The PKK denies the deaths.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
