At least 21 Iraqis were killed and 40 more were wounded in attack mostly against government targets. Two U.S. soldiers were killed during operations in southern Iraq. Also, Iraqis are preparing themselves for a post-U.S. future by loading up on arms. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he will reduce the size of the government, a plan his critics will likely see as more power consolidation for Maliki.
A complex attack on the Diyala Province government building in Baquba left nine dead and 35 injured. Although details are sketchy, a car bomb exploded at the main gate. At least 20 insurgents then attacked the building, and some of them may have already been inside the compound. Also, at least two suicide bombers entered the building after overcoming guards at the back gate. Hostages were taken during the hour-long siege, and U.S. air support was called in. Most of the attackers were able to escape. Elsewhere in Baquba, five others were wounded in separate attacks.
In Baghdad, gunmen killed an attorney working for the Baghdad provincial council. An army lieutenant general was killed as he was driving through Binoog. Two soldiers were killed in Jamiaa.
Gunmen attacked a home in Dujail where they killed four family members, sparing only a 15-year-old girl.
Gunmen killed a soldier in Mosul. A car bomb was dismantled safely.
A former army officer was shot to death in Kirkuk.
A roadside bomb blasted a U.S. patrol in Kut. Two alleged suicides took place in the city.
