Updated at 6:15 p.m. EDT, July 2, 2008
Iraq quieted down significantly a day after a series of deadly bombings left dozens of casualties. At least 11 people were killed and 33 more were wounded in the latest attacks. No Coalition deaths were reported. Meanwhile, Sadrists complained loudly as three prominent members of their group were detained in Amara.
Followers of Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr complained after the arrest today of three prominent Sadrists during a security crackdown in Amara. According to them this is the latest in a string of truce violations the Iraqi government has committed against the followers; however, the Sadrists promise to observe the cease-fire unilaterally. The Sadrists believe they are being targeted unfairly in an effort to undermine their political strength ahead of elections that may take place later in the year. At least 30 guards were also detained.
In Baghdad, three dumped bodies were found. U.S mortar rounds struck the Amil neighborhood, killing two people and wounding ten more, after U.S. forces had received incoming mortar fire. Three people were wounded during a roadside bombing in Zaafaraniya. A street sweeper was killed during a roadside bombing in Adhimiya. In Maysaloon Square, a roadside bomb targeting U.S. forces failed to harm anyone. Two people were killed and six were injured during a roadside bombing on Palestine Street. Also, two gunmen were detained, and a hostage was freed in separate incidents.
Clashes between an Awakening Council (Sahwa) and gunmen in Diyala province left two gunman dead and six Sahwa members injured. Also, 65 detainees were released after they were cleared of charges.
In Mosul, a Peshmerga soldier accidently shot and wounded three teachers. Iraqi army forces wounded a man as they arrested him. One policeman was killed and three other people were wounded during a roadside bombing.
Gunmen kidnapped the manager of a Kurdish TV station in Arbil. He was found severely injured.
In Suleimaniya, gunmen lobbed a hand grenade at the home of a judge, but no casualties were reported.
Leaflets were distributed in Jalawla warning chieftains who recently met with a U.N. representative to leave the city or be killed. The area is fairly violent and these warnings should not be taken lightly.
Three policemen were sacked for misconduct in Karbala.
Fifteen suspects were detained in Basra.
A large bomb was defused under a Nasiriya bridge.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
