Update at 9:01 p.m EST, Nov. 8, 2010
At least 40 people were killed and 130 more were wounded in new violence across Iraq. Two of the deadliest attacks targeted Shi’ite pilgrims near Iraq’s holiest sites. Although figures are inexact, at least 13 Iranian pilgrims were killed and as many as 63 were wounded in those cities alone. The pilgrims were visiting holy sites in Iraq just a week before the Eid al-Adha holiday begins. Meanwhile, Iraqi politicians met in Arbil where they were to have announced a deadlock-breaking deal concerning government formation, but instead bickered over the details until they ultimately agreed to continue discussions tomorrow.
Fourteen people were killed and 40 more were wounded when a suicide car bomber targeting a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims into the holy city of Karbala exploded. Seven Iranians were among the dead, while about 10 Iraqis were wounded. The blast occurred in a parking lot frequently used by Iranian pilgrims and was likely targeted because of increased security near the actual shrines.
A car bomb and other device targeting Iranian pilgrims exploded near the Imam Ali shrine in the holy city of Najaf. At least eight people were killed and 31 more were wounded. Among the dead were two Iraqis, and most of the wounded were pilgrims. As in Karbala, buses were the focus of the attack.
Thirteen people were killed and 39 more were wounded when a bomb exploded in western Basra. The bombing took place in Qibla’s commercial district.
In Mosul, two bombs targeting police wounded 10 people, including four policemen. A separate blast killed one civilian and wounded two others, including a policeman.
In Baghdad, four people were wounded by a blast in Karrada. Mortars fell on Abu Nawas Street but no casualties were as yet reported.
One person was killed and four more were wounded when a car struck a roadside bomb in Khalis.
Gunmen killed two policemen in Hamam al-Alil.
A curfew was imposed in Kut from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Two suspects were detained in Missan province.
Turkey arrested a Turkish general in connection with a landmine blast previously blamed on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
