With Arbaeen observances completed, violence was refocused on Sunni targets today, most notably on a police station in Ramadi. Overall, at least 23 Iraqis were killed in the violence and 34 more were wounded.
Gunmen staged a coordinated attack at the al-Balada police compound, located in Ramadi. At least 21 people were killed, including civilians, police and gunmen. Another 21 people were wounded.
The attack began with a series of bombs in central Ramadi meant to draw police away from the station. Gunmen, who were wearing military uniforms and explosives vests, then stormed the station and tried to take hostages during a three-hour fight. Officials believe the men were trying to liberate colleagues who had been recently arrested.
One official blamed the attack on police corruption and other political troubles. Security forces later conducted raids across the area. Anbar province had already been on high alert for attacks.
At least one person was killed and 11 more were wounded in a blast at a police station in Baiji.
An I.E.D. killed a policeman and wounded two others in Garma.
West of Mosul, no casualties were reported after a mortar attack on a convoy carrying the provincial police commander.
