The new government was sworn in today. Meanwhile, at least 85 people were killed today, and 173 more were wounded. Also, a U.N. envoy stressed the dire circumstances of the Iraqi children. At least 55 people were kidnapped by militants.
Parliament swore in the new government today, formally making Haider al-Abadi the new prime minister. Saleh al-Mutlak and Hoshyar Zebari were selected as the Sunni and Kurdish deputy prime ministers. Rounding out the group were three vice presidents: former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, former Speaker Osama al-Nujaifi and another former premier, Ayad Allawi. Some key cabinet positions remained open at the end of the day with Abadi promising to fill them next week. The formation of the new government was a condition the United States set before it would expand current military operations in the country.
Leila Zerrougui, the United Nations‘ special representative for children and armed conflict warned that over 700 children were killed in this year’s attacks. She said many are being used as suicide bombers or otherwise forced to work for the Islamic State. Many children are simply missing.
The Iraqi government declared the strategic Haditha Dam area free of militants.
In Duluiya, militants killed 17 people in a complex attack involving at least three suicide bombers and four militants who were killed on a gunboat. Many other militants killed as well. About 170 people were wounded either in a suicide bombing at a market or in subsequent shelling and clashes. The attack targeted the al-Jabour tribe, which has been fighting the Islamic State.
Fourteen civilians were killed during an Iraqi air strike near Hawija.
In Baghdad, a civilian was shot dead.
Three civilians were wounded when a mortar struck their location in Muqdadiya.
Fifty young men, possibly from the Jabour tribe, were "arrested" in Ziwiya village.
In Mosul, militants "arrested" five civilians.
In Yusufiya, 27 militants were killed.
Security forces in Arab Jabour killed 15 militants.
Four militants were killed in northern Babel province.
Deadly airstrikes took place in Ana, Qaim and Rawa.
Dozens of militants were killed in Bashiqa.
Militants were killed in Barwana.
