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.
read moreSunday: 5 Iraqis Killed, 21 Wounded
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.
read moreSaturday: 1 Iraqi Killed, 7 Wounded
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.
read moreFriday: 2 US Soldiers, 22 Iraqis Killed; 54 Iraqis Wounded
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.
read moreThursday: 19 Iraqis Killed, 91 Wounded
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.
read moreWednesday: 82 Iraqis Killed, 206 Wounded
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.
read moreTuesday: 2 Iraqis Killed, 16 Wounded
Updated at 8:25 p.m. EDT, June 23, 2009
On an otherwise quiet day, Sadrist lawmakers demanded the defense ministry to explain how uniformed gunmen entered Sadr City last week and murdered four individuals. Across the country, only two Iraqis were reported killed. Sixteen Iraqis were also wounded.
read moreMonday: 43 Iraqis Killed, 114 Wounded
Updated at 12:25 a.m. EDT, June 23, 2009
A surge in bombings intensified in the Baghdad area. At least 43 Iraqis were killed and 114 more were wounded there and across the country. Three U.S. soldiers were also wounded and two more were possibly killed during a bombing in Abu Ghraib. Back in the U.S., an Army chaplain who was gravely wounded in Iraq in 2004 has died; the cause of death was not released, but the chaplain was still receiving care for his injuries.
read moreSunday: 27 Iraqis Killed, 41 Wounded
At least 27 Iraqis were killed and 41 more wounded on a day marked by a return to small but numerous incidents in Baghdad and Mosul. Despite a massive car bombing near Kirkuk yesterday, reports from Iraq have been suspiciously sparse in recent days. Particularly in the case of Mosul, which is the most violent city in Iraq.
read moreSaturday: 94 Iraqis Killed, 231 Wounded
Updated at 5:19 p.m. EDT, June 20, 2009
During a speech to a Turkmen group in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki vowed to enforce a June 30 deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraqi cities. This pronouncement came hours before a massive truck bomb ripped through the Turkmen village of Taza. Overall at least 94 Iraqis were killed and 231 others were wounded across Iraq. Also, a pair of bodies was handed over to British authorities belong to two British hostages who were kidnapped in 2007. Three other British hostages still missing.
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