Updated at 8:16 p.m. EDT, Oct. 16, 2009
Although few attacks were reported this prayer day, a significant bombing in Tal Afar shot the casualty toll over a hundred. At least 18 Iraqis were killed and 97 were wounded there and in attacks in nearby Mosul. Meanwhile, Sadrists held a primary election to choose candidates for January’s national elections. Also, a former U.S. contractor plead guilty to abusive sexual contact after being accused of jumping and fondling a woman at an airbase in Iraq.
Figures from yesterday’s bombings in Karbala climbed overnight adding to today’s toll. Overall, at least 10 Iraqis were killed and 30 more were wounded across the country. Meanwhile, the Turkish prime minister is visiting Baghdad. Also, Malaysian police have arrested MP Mohammad al-Dayni on terrorism charges.
Updated at 5:35 p.m. EDT, Oct. 14, 2009
At least 15 Iraqis were killed and 64 more were wounded in attacks that included bombings in the holy city of Karbala. Meanwhile, the government has released its first official death toll and approved a draft budget.
Updated at 6:05 p.m. EDT, Oct. 13, 2009
At least 11 Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in the latest violence. The political atmosphere in Baghdad, however, nearly eclipsed the reports of attacks across the country. Parliamentary speaker Iyad Al Samarrai warned that issues surrounding Kirkuk could stall the adoption of a new election law. Meanwhile, the Iraqi parliament approved the return of a small number of British troops. Also, Baghdad Operations Command complained their arrests are being politicized.
Updated at 9:00 p.m. EDT, Oct. 12, 2009
At least nine Iraqis were killed and 25 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Steve Lanza said that the Arab-Kurdish conflict remains the main driver of instability between Iraqi ethnic groups.
Updated at 6:30 p.m. EDT, Oct. 11, 2009
A series of blasts that left over 100 casualties forced authorities in Ramadi to impose a curfew on the city. Overall, 24 Iraqis were killed and 95 more were wounded across the country.
A relatively peaceful Saturday across Iraq was used by hundreds of Iraqis to demonstrate for open elections and better services. In Ninewa province though, over 1,000 residents came out in support of a new security campaign. Meanwhile, a captured Saudi fighter recounts to the press his tale of journeying to Iraq. At least three Iraqis were wounded in the latest violence.
Updated at 10:30 p.m. EDT, Oct. 9, 2009
At least six Iraqis were killed and 18 more were wounded in the latest attacks. An anti-insurgent Sunni cleric was among those killed. Meanwhile, parliament is debating what system, open or closed lists, to use in January’s elections.
At least six Iraqis were killed and 14 more were wounded in the latest attacks, while demonstrations against recent arrests took place in Mosul. Also, a large number of Saddam exiles returned home.
Updated at 4:55 p.m. EDT, Oct. 7, 2009
At least 13 Iraqis were killed an 32 more were wounded in the latest attacks. Meanwhile, 36 Iranian-opposition detainees were freed. Also, a U.S. soldier was killed in a non-combat incident.
