Updated at 12:23 a.m. EST, March 1, 2008
In northern Iraq, Turkey began its troop pullout just in time for the weekly prayer day. Meanwhile, a Christian archbishop was kidnapped in Mosul. In Baghdad, an execution order was signed for “Chemical Ali” who killed tens of thousands of Kurds while working as his cousin Saddam Hussein’s right hand man. Overall, at least 14 Iraqis were killed and another four were wounded during very light violence.
Turkish authorities reported that 237 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) separatists were killed during their weeklong incursion into northern Iraq. Casualty figures given by either Turkish or PKK authorities are unverifiable; however, Turkish did admit that they were pulling troops out of Iraq a day after President Bush insisted they withdraw quickly.
The chief of Diwaniya police was released after two months in detention while police investigated whether he was involved with militia groups. Another 350 detainees were released under a general amnesty decree. Earlier, 500 detainees had been released for lack of evidence.
In Baghdad, two dumped bodies were found, and two policemen were wounded during a roadside bombing in New Baghdad.
A man and his 11-year-old were killed during a roadside bombing in Mosul. An IED injured a policeman in a separate incident. Two bodies belonging to a prosecutor and a lawyer were found in the al-Qahira neighborhood. Also, a Chaldean Christian archbishop was reported kidnapped; three escorts were killed.
The body of a Hawija council member was found a few days after he was kidnapped. A civilian was kidnapped as well.
A female body was found near the Zab bridge west of Kirkuk.
An Iraqi soldier was wounded during a security operation in Buhriz.
In Abu Khamees, an Iraqi soldier was killed inside a booby-trapped home.
In Baquba, a popular committee leader survived an assassination attempt unharmed.
Two bodies belonging to former Iraqi army officers were found in al-Guba village.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
