Updated at 7:12 p.m. EST, Mar. 11, 2010
Some election results were released today amid allegations of fraud by one of the major parties. At least four Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in various attacks. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department blamed the Iraqi government for human rights abuses, including the murder of Iraqi civilians. Also, Prime Minister Maliki underwent minor surgery.
Early election returns show a tight race between parties lead by current P.M. Maliki and former P.M. Ayad Allawi, each having won two provinces so far. Allawi, however, is alleging widespread voter fraud and presented evidence of discarded ballots. In Arbil, a list composed of the two major Kurdish parties is ahead of competitors.
In Baghdad, U.S. forces killed a female reporter and her husband who were driving in Tobchi yesterday. A bomb wounded two civilians in an eastern neighborhood.
Eight people were wounded in separate incidents across Diyala province.
A dispute at a government building in Samawa left one dead and five wounded. A policeman working as a guard opened fire on colleagues inside the building, then wandered outside and shot at bystanders. He also shot himself but survived.
A blast in Garma left one policeman dead and two others wounded.
In Mosul, a bomb wounded a policeman.
Seven suspects were captured in Basra.
An Ansar al-Sunni suspect was arrested in Rashad.
An ammunition depot was found in Yas Tabba.
In Jalawla, two suspected Naqshabandiya Army members were detained.
