Updated at 7:41 p.m. EDT, July, 3, 2009
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spent part of his three-day trip to Iraq speaking with Gen. Ray Odierno and Ambassador Christopher Hill over breakfast. He also plans to meet with President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Several NFL coaches visited Iraq also, as part of a USO trip. Meanwhile, three Iraqis were killed and four more were wounded across northern Iraq.
Updated at 5:32 p.m. EDT, July, 2, 2009
At least seven Iraqis were killed and 42 more were wounded as Iraqis continued to celebrate National Sovereignty Day. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden made a surprise visit. Meanwhile, Iraq asked Iran and Kuwait for help in locating personnel missing or captured in wars with those two countries. Also, Iraq signed a cooperation agreement with France.
Updated at 7:13 p.m. EDT, July, 1, 2009
Celebrations continued in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Iraqi cities. Otherwise, the country was very quiet. Only four Iraqis were reported killed and four more were wounded. No Coalition deaths were announced.
Updated at 6:18 p.m. EDT, June 30, 2009
Today is the deadline for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraqi cities. Across Iraq, at least 36 Iraqis were killed and 97 more were wounded. Four U.S. soldiers were killed in a combat incident shortly before pullout yesterday in Baghdad.
Updated at 6:40 p.m. EDT, June 29, 2009
With the U.S. withdrawal deadline looming, Iraqi forces spent Monday assuring citizens of their ability to handle security and declared tomorrow “National Sovereignty Day.” At least 14 Iraqis were killed and 13 more were wounded in the latest attacks. One U.S. soldier was killed in combat yesterday in Baghdad.
Updated at 6:30 p.m. EDT, June 28, 2009
Widespread sand storms blanketed much of central and northern Iraq, curtailing attacks, or at least the reports of violence. The storms also delayed the awarding of oil contracts. Iraq forces are using the break, however, to bolster their defenses ahead of the U.S. withdrawal from the cities. Iraq has cancelled leave for all policemen. Gen. Ray Odierno believes the Iraqis are ready for Tuesday’s handover. He also said that a recent surge in attacks would likely hurt extremists more than it does their victims. Still, at least five Iraqis were killed and 21 more were wounded across the country.
Only one Iraqi was reported killed in unusually light violence. Seven more were wounded. No Coalition deaths were reported, but one recently returned soldier may have committed suicide in Virginia. Also, two British hostages recently handed over to British authorities may have been dead as long as 18 months.
Updated at 6:26 p.m. EDT, June 26, 2009
A significant bombing in Baghdad reminded residents of more violent prayer days when marketplace attacks were common. Otherwise, the prayer day was fairly quiet. Overall, at least 22 Iraqis were killed and 54 more were wounded. Two U.S. soldiers were killed in separate incidents. Elite Iraqi troops, meanwhile, are preparing to take security voer from U.S. troops next week.
Updated at 4:17 p.m. EDT, June 25, 2009
The surge in bombings continues in Iraq. At least 19 Iraqis were killed and 91 more were wounded across the country. Nine Coalition servicemembers were also wounded during a bombing in Baghdad.
Updated at 10:37 p.m. EDT, June 24, 2009
Despite a major bombing in Baghdad, the White House reiterated that U.S. troops will leave Iraqi cities by the end of the month as planned. At least 82 Iraqis were killed and 206 more were wounded in the Baghdad attack and elsewhere. No Coalition deaths were reported. Meanwhile, an Iraqi girl who was blinded and disfigured in a 2006 Sadr City bombing has returned home to Iraq following reconstructive surgery in London.
