Updated at 7:35 p.m. EST, Dec. 6, 2009
Although security is tight for the culmination of the Ashuraa religious observance, at least 15 Iraqis were killed and 26 more were wounded in violent attacks. In Baghdad, women have been banned from one neighborhood as a security measure. Meanwhile, the DoD reported that a Marine died at a Kuwaiti base; the cause of death is pending.
Women are banned from Baghdad’s Kadhamiya district where a religious shrine could act as a magnet for terrorism during Ashuraa observances. Although this will mean women living in the neighborhood will be severely imposed upon, in the past female suicide bombers have taken advantage of their flowing robes and Iraqi custom to skirt by male security personnel who are forbidden to search them.
In Baghdad, four police commandos were killed and two more were wounded during a roadside bombing in Doura. Nearby in Saidiya, one civilian was killed and six were wounded when a car bomb was detonated.
In Mosul, a celebration of army day brought increased security. Nevertheless, a suicide bomber attacked a police patrol and wounded eight, including three civilians. Two people were killed and six were wounded by another suicide bomber. A motorcade carrying police chiefs from Rabeaa and Zamar was also blasted, but no casualties were reported. One civilian was injured in a later bombing. Gunmen stormed a pharmacy and killed the pharmacist. The body of an oil security employee was discovered. Several bombs were defused with incident. Also, two cell phone towers were set ablaze just days after a similar incident.
Two policemen were wounded during a blast in Tuz Khormato. Also, two al-Qaeda suspects were detained.
Last night, gunmen in Sekhra killed an off-duty soldier.
Gunmen in Kirkuk killed an off-duty policeman.
A bodyguard was killed and a third person was injured during an already reported incident where a Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party leader was killed yesterday in Jemen. The two new casualties were reported today.
In Baquba, U.S. troops killed a civilian who failed to respond to their commands to stop his vehicle. There is a question as to whether he was the driver or the passenger.
A civilian was kidnapped in Hilla.
A suspect was captured in Iskandariya.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
