Updated at 6:48 p.m. EDT, Oct. 8, 2008
At least 19 Iraqis were killed and 34 more were wounded in the latest violence. The DoD reported the death of a U.S. soldier in an non-combat vehicular accident as well. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry said they were ready to handle security should U.S. forces withdraw. Also, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he would cancel any tribal support council that is affiliated with a political party.
Eleven people were killed and 19 more were wounded when a female suicide bomber struck outside a courthouse in central Baquba.
In Baghdad, two people were injured during a bomb blast in Adhamiya. A bomb in Baladiyat left no casualties. Also, one dumped body was found.
Three policemen were killed and six others were wounded in Rashidiya.
A roadside bomb wounded six people near Hilla. Two brothers were arrested on suspicion of being "special groups" members.
In Iskandariya, a roadside bomb killed a policeman and wounded a second one.
A body was found in Mussayab.
In Mosul, a Christian man was shot and killed in Tamim. The body of another Christian day laborer was discovered yesterday. Several Christians have been murdered in October, raising concerns that there is an uptick in violence against the minority group. Christians have been demanding the reinstatement of a clause into a new elections law that will ensure that minority groups are fairly represented in local politics. Meanwhile, the U.S. Commander warned that al-Qaeda is still extremely active in the area, and nine suspects were nabbed in separate operations.
Turkish military authorities announced that clashes with Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels today in Turkey left four rebels and one soldier dead. In one incident, PKK rebels attacked a bus in Diyarbakir province. The four rebels died in the Sirnak region. On Friday, a clash between the two, also in southeastern Turkey resulted in the deaths of dozens of people. Since then, Turkey has launched several air strikes against suspected rebel targets in northern Iraq. The PKK wants an autonomous homeland for the Kurds in parts of Turkey, Iraq and three other nations. In Ankara, parliament extended the a mandate to continue military operations in northern Iraq.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
