Updated at 8:05 p.m. EST, Feb. 17, 2009
At least 6 Iraqis were killed and 24 more were wounded in new attacks. None of the attacks appeared to target Arbaeen travelers. No Coalition deaths were reported, but a U.S. army sergeant will testify against a fellow servicemember accused of murdering four Iraqi prisoners. Also, U.S. President Barack Obama promises to release his roadmap to Iraq and Afghanistan within weeks.
In politically related news, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the latest foreign dignitary to visit Iraq in recent weeks. Separately, the electoral commission is wrapping up its investigation of a few remaining election complaints, just as women are struggling with their newfound role in political offices. Meanwhile, two tribes in Diyala have agreed to support security forces. Also, journalist shoe-lobber, Muntazer al-Zaidi, goes on trial tomorrow.
A pair of coordinated bombs in Baquba killed two civilians and wounded 13 others, including six policemen. The first bomb exploded at a food stand. The second struck first responders who arrived to aid the victims of the first blast. Another source reported three dead policemen.
Three support forces members were killed and three more were wounded when a roadside bomb blasted their convoy near Baiji. The attack was apparently against a major general.
In Baghdad, a bomb wounded a member of an Awakening Council in Adhamiya. Also, sixteen suspects were detained, and four displaced families returned to their homes.
Gunmen fired a rocket-propelled grenade into a Sadr City school being used as a military barracks. One Iraqi soldier was killed and another four were injured.
Two children were wounded during a roadside bomb blast in Hamreem. One is ten and the other is eight-years-old.
In Mosul, gunmen killed a Christian man. A policeman lost a leg when a bomb attached to his car exploded. A suspect was arrested
Gunmen killed a civilian during a shooting in Tal Abta.
A police colonel escaped an assassination attempt near Khalis. No casualties were reported.
Two bombs were defused in Dhi Qar.
A bomb was defused near Nasariya.
A cache containing over 50 mortars was discovered near Kirkuk.
Meanwhile, the continued role of Awakening Council (Sahwa) members is being discussed at a special meeting in Tikrit.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
