Updated at 4:00 p.m. EST, Jan. 7, 2009
Reports of violence were light on the final day of Ashuraa. Many reporters are on holiday. Overall, at least three Iraqis were killed and 11 more were wounded in overnight violence. The DoD reported that one U.S. soldier was killed yesterday during a small arms attack. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government will financially help squatters to leave government properties. Also, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called on Arab states to break off ties with Israel over attacks on Gaza.
Authorities deployed 30,000 troops in and around Karbala to protect millions of pilgrims expected there for Ashuraa. The religious holiday marks the death of Imam Hussein near Karbala in the seventh century. For Shi’ites, it is one of the holiest observances of the year.
Two policemen were injured during a bombing in Bab Sinjar targeting a police convoy from Rabeaa and Zamar.
Three civilians were kidnapped in Mandali.
Mosul is under tight security restrictions for the Ashuraa observance. A pair of streetsweepers were injured when a bomb blew up near them. Two people were wounded during a bombing last night. The body of a taxi driver was discovered. At least one other body was discovered. A bike bomb left five wounded . Also, a Unified Iraqi Alliance MP survived an assassination attempt during Ashuraa observances; however, Ninewa police blamed it on a spat.
U.S. forces in Mussayab killed an Awakening Council member after he allegedly fired upon them.
Gunmen killed a policeman in Saidiya.
Police in Balad Ruz stopped a female suicide bomber targeting a religious procession. Pilgrims had pointed her out to police.
Authorities in Baquba imposed a vehicle ban as part of security measure to protect Ashuraa processions.
A vehicle ban is in place in Tal Afar.
Light weapons were confiscated in northern Babel.
An MNF base in Kut was shelled, but no casualties were reported.
In Basra, 28 suspects were detained.
A cache of ammunition was found near Fadiliya.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
