Violent attacks tapered off overnight, even though returning Ashura pilgrims could still be easy targets for gunmen. Only four Iraqis were killed and one more was wounded today. Curiously, all the attacks took place in or near Mosul. Approximately 40 Iranian prisoners jailed in Nasariya are on a hunger strike and demanding access to Iranian …
Continue reading “Monday: 4 Iraqis Killed, 1 Wounded”
Officials estimate that six to eight million pilgrims were in Karbala for the climax of Ashura observances and rituals. Over 100,000 of them were foreigners. Although no incidents were reported there, attacks against pilgrims returning to their homes continued. At least seven Iraqis were killed and 42 more were wounded across the country. A roadside …
Continue reading “Sunday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 42 Wounded”
Updated at 12:58 p.m. EST, Dec. 27, 2009 Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are in Karbala to participate in the climax of Ashura observances. Despite increased security, attacks kept some pilgrims from reaching the holy city. At least 16 Iraqis were killed and 51 more were wounded across the country. Also, U.S, Army Maj. Gen. …
Continue reading “Saturday: 16 Iraqis Killed, 51 Wounded”
Updated at 8:25 p.m. EST, Dec. 25, 2009 At least 27 Iraqis were killed and 83 more were wounded in both Ashura-related violence and other attacks. In northern Iraq, Shabaks and Christians fought over decorations at a church. Meanwhile, a controversial rule that would punish pregnant soldiers was dropped when the U.S. military issued new …
Continue reading “Friday: 27 Iraqis Killed, 83 Wounded”
Updated at 12:25 p.m. EST, Dec. 25, 2009 Although the Christmas holiday will be celebrated in Iraq tomorrow, gunmen chose to target Shi’ite Ashura pilgrims instead of Christians today. At least 46 Iraqis were killed and 194 more were wounded in mostly Ashura-related violence. One Iranian pilgrim was injured, though more victims could be foreign …
Continue reading “Thursday: 46 Iraqis Killed; 194 Iraqis, 1 Iranian Wounded”
Updated at 11:53 p.m. EST, Dec. 23, 2009 Attacks targeting Christians and Shi’ites left dozens dead or wounded in the days leading to important holidays for both groups. Christmas occurs on Friday, while Ashura begins at sunset on Saturday. At least 23 Iraqis were killed and 67 more were wounded across the country in these …
Continue reading “Wednesday: 23 Iraqis Killed, 67 Wounded”
At least three Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in light violence. Iran maintained a dominant place in Iraqi headlines by offering a conciliatory explanation of its recent incursion into Iraqi territory and speaking on the fate of three American hikers who traveled in the opposite direction. An Iranian spokesman said that recent …
Continue reading “Tuesday: 3 Iraqis Killed, 13 Wounded”
Updated at 11:34 p.m. EST, Dec. 21, 2009 At least 14 Iraqis were killed and 21 were wounded across Iraq. A bomber struck a heavy blow to the Tal Afar city council, while several small bombings kept Baghdad on edge. In the south, Shi’ite pilgrims are making their way to the holy city of Karbala …
Continue reading “Monday: 14 Iraqis Killed, 21 Wounded”
The oilfield standoff ended peacefully today after talks between the Iraqi and Iranian foreign ministers went well. Elsewhere, the country has been relatively quiet due to the Islamic New Year and upcoming Ashura observances. The upcoming Western holidays are also adding to the lack of news reports. At least two Iraqis were killed and five …
Continue reading “Sunday: 2 Iraqis Killed, 5 Wounded”
There was little violence to greet the Islamic New Year, but the oilfield standoff at the Iranian border in Missan province continues. At least five Iraqis were killed and one more was wounded across the country in northern Iraq.
