Low oil prices are affecting Iraq’s economy to a degree that unwelcome changes will be forced on the populace. Baghdad and Arbil have both agreed to cooperate on reforms. The budgetary distress will not hamper, however, the effort against the Islamic State militants because of support from the Coalition.
Human Rights Watch blamed Shi’ite militias for revenge attacks on civilians in Muqdadiya early in January. The attacks came a day after a Daesh bombing that targeted the militiamen. Some of the actions taken way constitute war crimes.
Violence left at least 182 dead and nine wounded:
In Mosul, militants executed 17 members of two families, including children, for trying to flee Daesh territory. An airstrike killed four militants including a health minister. Gunmen killed a Daesh official and his companion.
In Baghdad, a civilian was gunned down. A bomb killed two people and wounded nine more.
Three children were executed in Shirqat for insulting Daesh. At least three more young people were executed.
In Sajariya, security forces killed 30 militants. Airstrikes killed another fourteen.
Airstrikes killed 34 militants in Badush.
Strikes on Riyadh left 32 militants dead.
Security forces killed 15 militants in Albu Shejil.
In Husayba, nine militants were killed.
Six militants were killed in a failed attack on Haditha.
A bomb accidentally exploded, killing five militants in Baghdadi.
Five militants were killed in Nuaimiya.
