Updated at 9:34 p.m. EST, Mar. 8, 2008
Although reported violence was otherwise light, a mass grave containing about 100 badly decomposed bodies was discovered in Khalis. Overall, at least another 36 Iraqis were killed and 17 more were wounded in the latest attacks. One American soldier was killed as well. Meanwhile, talks to determine the long-term presence of the US in Iraq began between the two nations. Also, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said he wanted better relations with Iraq, after Iraq’s PM visited the neighboring country.
One American soldier was killed and another was injured during an explosion in Diyala province yesterday.
In the mostly peaceful city of Arbil, militants attacked a French reporter in her hotel room. They stabbed her as they tried to rob and sexually assault her. Police are holding hotel staff as they investigate. Meanwhile, the Iraqi minister called for an end to violence directed at Iraqi women.
Iraqi security forces in Khalis discovered a mass grave containing the badly decomposed bodies of at least 100 people. Police believe the killings may date from soon after the U.S. invasion, but do not know who is to blame for them. Mass graves have been frequently found in Diyala province and other areas of Iraq where security forces have recently wrested control from gunmen and militant groups; however, this is one of the largest ones found so far.
A roadside bomb killed an Awakening Council (Sahwa) member and wounded four others in Hawija.
In Muqdadiyah, two people were killed and eight more were injured during a roadside bomb attack.
A roadside bomb killed three family members and wounded two more in Wajihiya. A second attack killed three men and wounded two more on a bus.
In Baghdad, four dumped bodies were discovered throughout the city, meanwhile eleven decomposing bodies were reported found in Doura. two Iraqi soldiers were killed during security operations that netted 26 suspects.No casualties were reported during an explosion in Sadr City. US troops safely detonated two IEDs in northern Baghdad. No casualties were reported during clashes in Hurriya. Also a gunman was killed east of the city.
U.S. forces killed eight suspects and arrested seven in Kanaan.
In Tal Afar, one suspect was killed and another was wounded during security operations.
Gunmen killed a man in Baquba.
Eight suspects were arrested for breaking into an oil pipeline. Seven suspects were arrested near Hawija. In Ramadi, a man wearing a suicide vest was arrested. An archaeological smuggling gang was arrested. Also, three suspects were detained in Tarmiyah.
Also, as many as 5000 people demonstrated in Basra against deteriorating security conditions. The British handed over security to Iraqi forces and retreated to their base at the airport. Although news out of the city is scant, it is known that militant forces there are vying for power and many of the residents are caught in the struggle. Furthermore, many residents, particularly women, are targeted for Sharia violations. At least 60 suspects have been arrested, and 10 hostages were freed, so far.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
