Updated at 6:52 p.m. EDT, Aug. 20, 2009
A series of bombings just south of Baghdad in Babel province have killed or wounded over 200 people just a day after a similar series of attacks in Baghdad. Unlike the ones in Baghdad, the blasts did not seem to target government buildings. At least three blasts were reported but reports are sketchy. Overall, at least 40 Iraqis were killed and 223 more were wounded across the country. The holy month of Ramadan begins tomorrow with the sighting of the crescent moon.
Updated at 12:14 p.m. EDT, Aug. 21, 2009
A series of explosions rocked Baghdad, killing at least 101 people and wounding 1,203 more just a day after the Baghdad Operations Command announced a new security plan. Elsewhere in Iraq, at least six Iraqis were killed and 20 more were wounded in other attacks. U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill expressed his disgust while on a visit to Kirkuk. He called the attackers “psychopathic.” Meanwhile, a U.S. soldier was killed in combat near Diwaniya.
Updated at 8:53 p.m. EDT, Aug. 18, 2009
At least six Iraqis were killed and 24 more were wounded in the latest violence. Besides a bombing in southern Baghdad, the most significant news to come out of Iraq today dealt with militants. U.S. authorities are releasing a number of Shi’ite militants they would rather keep incarcerated. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki gave Syria a list of suspects he wants extradited to Iraq and asked Syria to help prevent fighters from crossing the border.
Updated at 5:54 p.m. EDT, Aug. 17, 2009
The U.S. Commander in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, revealed that he’s been in talks with Iraqi and Kurdish officials about deploying U.S. troops to disputed territories in northern Iraq. Meanwhile, at least 23 Iraqis were killed and 28 more were wounded in violent attacks across the country. Also, Human Rights Watch has asked the Iraqi government to stop abuse targeting Iraqi homosexuals.
Updated at 5:30 p.m. EDT, Aug. 16, 2009
At least 15 Iraqis were killed and 46 more were wounded in the latest violence. A Shabak leader survived an assassination attempt with light injuries, but his fellow Arab and Kurd councilmembers used the attack to heighten their own rivalry. This complicated situation in the northern provinces has left the country’s planning minister with no choice but to postpone the first full census in over two decades. The fear is that the count could further intensify sectarian tensions ahead of January’s national election.
At least nine Iraqis were killed and 19 more were wounded in the latest attacks. The recent surge in violence has frightened Iraqis, and they are now worried about next year’s U.S. withdrawal.
Updated at 4:19 p.m. EDT, Aug. 14, 2009
Friday was relatively peaceful for the first time in weeks. The recent surge in attacks has alarmingly included the prayer day as a main target. Last Friday, there were over 400 casualties reported. Only two Iraqis were killed and seven more wounded today. Instead, the break has given greater emphasis to a protest organized by the country’s journalists.
Updated at 6:44 p.m. EDT, Aug. 13, 2009
Almost two years after a massive attack in Sinjar, another suicide bombing left over three-dozen new casualties today. At least 30 Iraqis were killed and 56 more were wounded in that and other attacks. Meanwhile, Iraqi authorities announced the start of a trial for five Iraqi presidential guards accused of bank robbery.
At least 18 Iraqis were killed and 31 more were wounded in the latest attacks. No Coalition deaths were reported, but Iraqi health officials said that 67 U.S. soldiers have the swine flu. U.S. sources have only confirmed 51 cases.
Updated at 8:55 p.m. EDT, Aug. 11, 2009
At least nine Iraqis were killed and 50 more were wounded just a day after the bloodiest spasm of violence since the pullback of U.S. troops. A U.S. soldier died in Kuwait of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident as well. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti authorities arrested six people suspected of plotting an attack against the U.S. base there. Many U.S. soldiers there are either supporting the Iraq operation or are using the base as a transit point between Iraq and other locations. Also, the Pentagon admitted fears over Arab-Kurd tensions.
