Updated at 9:30 p.m. EDT, June 18, 2009
Last night, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is launched an investigation into widespread allegations of prisoner abuse in Iraqi jails. A positive resolution to the inquiry could lead to better relations between Sunnis and Shi’ites. Meanwhile, at least seven were killed and 13 more were wounded in the latest violence. Also, Iraqi may press Israel for reparations in the 1981 destruction of a nuclear plant.
Prime Minister Maliki has launched an investigation into allegations of prisoner abuse and torture in Iraqi jails. An eight-member committee will have two weeks to complete the investigation. Many prisoners have complained of abuse and torture while detained in Iraqi jails. Some claim to have been kept for months without being charged or tried. Others have said that some jail officials have demanded bribes to hasten their release. At least 115 Interior Ministry personnel have been detained themselves after preliminary investigations.
A roadside bomb targeting the director of Saidiya wounded eight people. The director, Ahmad Zarkoushi, is in critical condition. This was the fourth attempt on his life. Five of his bodyguards and two bystanders were also injured. Another reported bombing wounded a man and his son.
In Baghdad, mortars struck the Green Zone, but no casualties were as yet reported. An accidental fire at the Heath Ministry wounded 20 employees.
In Mosul, two policemen were killed in separate gun battles in an eastern neighborhood. Police killed a gunman and arrested five more in western Mosul. An Iraqi soldier mistakenly killed a colleague at a checkpoint. South of the city, a dumped body was found. A bomb wounded an Iraqi soldier. A civilian was killed in a drive-by shooting. wo destructive explosions were reported.
A policeman killed another policeman in Numaniya.
A hand grenade attack in Kirkuk last night left two civilians with injuries.
Joint forces arrested 10 suspects in Hawija.
Security personnel in Dhi Qar arrested six suspects and seized weapons in several locations.
Basra police detained 25 suspects, confiscated a number of vehicles and liberated one woman.
An armed groups leader was arrested and a large weapons cache was discovered at his home in Kut.
Ramadi police arrested one of their "most wanted" suspects.
