Kurdish president Massoud Barzani met with western leaders to discuss their request to postpone the September 25 independence referendum. Several countries have stated their concern that the referendum could hurt the effort against the Islamic State militants. Meanwhile, the Iraqi parliament voted to dismiss Kirkuk’s governor, Najm Eddine Karim, after the contested province voted to participate in the referendum. Karim called the dismissal unlawful.
Once again bypassing Hawija, security forces will instead focus on Islamic State militants in Anbar province. A major operation is expected within hours.
At least 111 people were killed and 119 more were wounded:
A triple attack around lunchtime left 83 dead and 93 wounded at a roadside restaurant and checkpoint near Nasariya. The perpetrators were wearing uniforms and driving military vehicles. Gunmen stormed the restaurant, while two suicide bombers struck the checkpoint. Several of the victims were Iranian, and many were pilgrims traveling to shrines in Karbala and Najaf. The bombing occurred in Dhi Qar province, which is far from the battlefields and has enjoyed relative peace in the last few years.
Three civilians were killed and ten were wounded during an airstrike in Anah.
A video released by ISIS/Daesh showed militants chasing militiamen near Said. Three of them were killed.
In Mussayab, a suicide bomber killed one policeman and wounded 10 people. Four militants were killed.
In Baghdad, a motorcycle bomb killed one person and wounded four more in Zayouna.
Mortars wounded two people in Abu Saida.
Twelve militants were killed in Qayrawan.
