Updated at 11:35 p.m. EST, Nov. 12, 2008
Ten Iraqi militant groups have vowed to protest a proposed U.S.-Iraq security agreement by escalating violence against security forces. They have seemingly kept their promise in Baghdad where several significant bombings occurred today. Overall, at least 34 Iraqis were killed and another 108 were wounded in attacks across the country. In Zanjili, two U.S. soldier were killed and six others were wounded during an incident involving an Iraqi soldier. Also, the United Nations reported that one million Iraqi still lack adequate food.
An Iraqi soldier killed two U.S. soldiers and wounded six more during a rampage at a joint security station in Zanjili; U.S. troops were able to kill the Iraqi during the incident. Meanwhile, U.S. troops are reducing their presence in many Iraqi cities as a precursor to the expected U.S. drawdown. Elsewhere, a U.S. soldier will be court-martialed on charges of murdering Iraqis.
In Baghdad, a combined car and roadside bomb attack left 14 dead and at least 60 wounded in the New Baghdad district. In Shabb, one bomb blast killed five people and wounded 12 others, while a second bomb wounded seven more. Four people were killed and 15 more were wounded during a blast on Saadoun Street. In Zayouna, two people were wounded in a car bombing; police arrested two men who were planning more bombings. Also, two bodies were found.
In Mosul, gunmen shot and killed a Christian woman then stormed her home, killing her sister and wounding her mother in the process; a bomb they left at the home exploded and wounded three policemen who arrived on the scene. A roadside bomb wounded four people in a central neighborhood. A combined bomb and small arms attack wounded an Iraqi soldier.
In Kirkuk, a Christian politician and three bodyguards were wounded when a bomb planted on the politician’s car exploded. Also, gunmen wearing army uniforms killed a civilian.
The Iraqi army killed five suspects and arrested 13 in the Himreem Mountains.
Karbala police have implemented a program that will add 100 women to the police force.
A suspected al-Qaeda leader was arrested in Kanaan.
About 10,000 security personnel took part in an operation that netted 130 suspects across Basra. They also confiscated a number of motor vehicles.
Three men were arrested in Amara. Police also defused a bomb.
Thirty-two suspects were detained across Diyala province.
The Interior Ministry added more checkpoints at the border with Syria. Syria recently reduced troops on their eastern frontier in protest of a U.S. raid last month; however, they are still willing to host a regional security meeting that will involve the U.S. and Iraq.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
