Officials now believe that three American contractors, possibly of Iraqi origins, were kidnapped by either of two Iran-backed militias, the Asaib Ahl al-Haq or Saraya al-Salam. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi insists, though, that Iran had no part in the abduction. The United States also doubts Iran’s involvement. Another theory is that a criminal gang is behind the kidnapping.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Mutlaq warned that Iraq is being divided into smaller governments. Even many Shi’ites have found fault with Baghdad.
At least 147 were killed and 47 were wounded:
In Baghdad, a bomb killed two people and wounded six at a restaurant in Shuala. Two people were killed and five were wounded in a blast in Amin. In Saheroun, a bomb killed two people and wounded seven more. A bomb in Shaab killed one person and wounded four others. A bomb in Iskan killed one person and wounded six. One person was killed in a blast that also left five wounded in Sabaa al-Bour. A bomb in Arab Jabour killed one person and wounded three more.
Gunmen killed one man and wounded two others in Sadr City.
A bomb in Hamamiyat left three dead and seven wounded.
Five security members were killed and two were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded in Sufiya.
Near Kirkuk, two bodies were discovered.
A sticky bomb left on a patrol car in Mussayab killed a police officer and a policeman. Five Daesh leaders were killed during an airstrike on Mosul. Separate strikes left 54 dead and 25 wounded.
Airstrikes killed 18 militants in Jeraishi and Albu Aitha.
In Husayba al-Sharqiya, clashes left 13 militants dead.
Ten militants were killed in Falluja and Tharthar.
Peshmerga forces killed nine militants in Ba’Shiqah.
Eight militants were killed near the Highways Directorate in Anbar.
Unidentified gunmen killed four militants in Badush.
In Falluja, unidentified assailants, possibly tribal fighters, stabbed three militants to death.
