Updated at 9:01 p.m. EDT, July 16, 2009
At least two Iraqis were killed and 22 were wounded in the latest attacks. One attack was against Shi’ite pilgrims heading to Baghdad for an important religious observance. Another attack took place in Garma where Iraqi security forces killed a policeman. No Coalition troops were reported killed.
Iraq is gearing up for Saturday’s observances of the anniversary of the death Imam Musa al-Kadhim. The Imam, who died in 799 A.D., is buried at a shrine in Baghdad’s Kadhimiya neighborhood. As recently as April the shrine was the scene of significant bombing. Although the shrine is in northern Baghdad, attacks against pilgrims could occur throughout Iraq.
In Baghdad, a bomb attack against a minibus carrying Shi’ite pilgrims through Sahet al-Talaea left 18 wounded; the group was traveling from Najaf to Kadhimiya for Saturday’s religious observances. A complete vehicle ban is now in effect in Kadhimiya. A roadside bomb left near the Jaysh canal was discovered and dismantled.
In Mosul, three policemen were wounded in a blast near the Mosul-Talafar garage.
Police in Fallujah killed a suicide bomber before he could detonate his cargo.
Iraqi security forces killed a policeman in Garma as they were trying to apprehend him. In the last few days, Iraqi forces in Anbar province have arrested other police personnel on terrorism charges. While it is possible that militants have infiltrated police, it is also likely that the central government is making good on its promise to arrest former militants, who have since rejected al-Qaeda and have worked with Iraq and Coalition troops.
A bomb blast in Shurqat wounded a policeman.
No casualties were reported after a bomb was detonated in Tal Afar. Authorities speculate that the bomb exploded as it was being planted but there is no word on the fate of the bombers.
Kut is implementing a security plan ahead of observances on Saturday.
Five suspects were detained in Amara.
Eleven suspects were arrested in Basra. Three bombs were also defused.
Alikhan villagers detained a suspicious man. They handed him over to Iraqi authorities when they learned that he was wanted in Tal Afar.
