Update at 7:45 p.m. EST, Feb. 25, 2009
A jet plane carrying a Sunni legislator accused of sectarian violence was forced to return to Baghdad when the lawmaker’s immunity was lifted. Meanwhile, two Iraqis were killed and another nine were wounded in an unusually quiet day. Another four people were kidnapped. Also, U.S. officials said that U.S. President Obama is leaning towards a withdrawal of combat troops by August 2010. Iraq is warm to the idea, so long as Iraqi troops are properly equipped in time.
Member of Parliament Mohammed al-Daini stands accused of sectarian violence, after his alleged involvement in attacks was revealed during interviews with his bodyguards. One of the guards is his nephew. Daini denied the charges, but parliament revoked his immunity anyway and forced a Jordan-bound airliner carrying the lawmaker to return to Baghdad. The lawmaker says that he is being targeted for vocal opinions against Shi’ite lawmakers who were involved in sectarian attacks themselves.
Gunmen in Kirkuk riddled a car with bullets, killing a prominent businessman within it.
In Mosul, two people were wounded in a hand grenade attacek; one of them may have been a laywer. Police safely detonated a car bomb. Another bomb, this one attached to the health director’s car, was safely defused as well. Security forces shot at a suspected suicide car bomber, killing him. Also, three mortars struck a hospital, injuring a civilian.
In Baghdad, six people were wounded during a bombin in the Illam neighborhood. Security forces detained 25 people and defused eight bombs. Seven displaced families returned to their homes.
Four people were kidnapped in Rashad. Three of them were employees of the state-run oil company.
A security operation was launched in Abu Ghraib. Some residents blamed pro-Baath Party graffiti for the sudden interest in the suburb of Baghdad.
Ten suspects were arrested in Dhi Qar.
In Fallujah, seven suspects were captured. A car bomb and an arms cache were discovered.
A suspected member of a militant cult was detained in Kirkuk.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis
