Thursday, 3 February 2011
Afghan police 'nearly as unpopular as Taliban in south' | World news | The Guardian
Afghan police
'nearly as unpopular as Taliban in south' | World news | The Guardian: "Afghanistan's police force is only slightly more popular than the Taliban in the insurgent heartlands of the south, according to a survey commissioned by the UN.The results of the poll, published today, portrayed a police force widely viewed by Afghans as corrupt and biased, underscoring doubts about a planned Nato handover. About half the 5,052 Afghans surveyed across all 34 provinces said they would report crime elsewhere.
The findings represent a blow to western efforts to extend the reach of the central government and its security forces to areas under the sway of the Taliban, particularly in the south, which has borne the brunt of Nato and US military operations to drive back insurgents."
Twenty-second Australian soldier dead in Afghanistan 03/02/2011
PM - Twenty-second Australian soldier dead in Afghanistan 03/02/2011: "Corporal Richard Edward Atkinson was the 22nd Australian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.
The 22-year-old was based in Darwin. A roadside bomb caused his death and seriously wounded a fellow soldier who is recovering from his injuries."
The 22-year-old was based in Darwin. A roadside bomb caused his death and seriously wounded a fellow soldier who is recovering from his injuries."
No new copters for Afghanistan troops
No new copters for Afghanistan troops • The Register: "The Coalition government, having already cut an order for vital helicopters needed by British troops fighting in Afghanistan, may now cancel it altogether, according to reports.
In its last months in office, the previous Labour government announced plans to order 22 new Chinook helicopters (in addition to two which would replace recent combat losses in Afghanistan). The money was to be found by cutting squadrons of fast jets - in particular, Tornado low-level deep strike bombers. The first 10 helicopters were to come into service in 2012-13."
In its last months in office, the previous Labour government announced plans to order 22 new Chinook helicopters (in addition to two which would replace recent combat losses in Afghanistan). The money was to be found by cutting squadrons of fast jets - in particular, Tornado low-level deep strike bombers. The first 10 helicopters were to come into service in 2012-13."
Mounties should probe Afghan abuse allegations
Mounties should probe Afghan abuse allegations: Lawyer - thestar.com: "Canada’s top military police officer should request an investigation by the RCMP into allegations Canadians committed war crimes in Afghanistan, a human rights lawyer says.
At the closing arguments of a hearing into complaints that Canada’s battlefield prisoners were abused when soldiers handed them to Afghan authorities in Kandahar, Amnesty International lawyer Paul Champ said military police charged with keeping Canada on the right side of international law were intimidated and marginalized by senior commanders into ignoring the torture allegations.
His recommendation Wednesday to the Military Police Complaints Commission, was that the Canadian Forces Provost Marshall ask the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to look into the long-standing allegations that Canadians were complicit in torture."
At the closing arguments of a hearing into complaints that Canada’s battlefield prisoners were abused when soldiers handed them to Afghan authorities in Kandahar, Amnesty International lawyer Paul Champ said military police charged with keeping Canada on the right side of international law were intimidated and marginalized by senior commanders into ignoring the torture allegations.
His recommendation Wednesday to the Military Police Complaints Commission, was that the Canadian Forces Provost Marshall ask the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to look into the long-standing allegations that Canadians were complicit in torture."
Muslim councillors refuse standing ovation for Marine who won George Cross
Muslim councillors refuse standing ovation for Marine who won George Cross | Mail Online: "Two Muslim councillors were under fire today after they refused to take part in a standing ovation to honour a Marine who won the George Cross.
Salma Yaqoob and Mohammed Ishtiaq remained seated during a ceremony for Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher.
The 26-year-old was awarded the George Cross after he flung himself onto a Taliban hand grenade to save his comrades during an ambush in Helmand Province in 2008."
Salma Yaqoob and Mohammed Ishtiaq remained seated during a ceremony for Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher.
The 26-year-old was awarded the George Cross after he flung himself onto a Taliban hand grenade to save his comrades during an ambush in Helmand Province in 2008."
TA soldier 'unlawfully killed' in Afghanistan
BBC News - Exeter TA soldier 'unlawfully killed' in Afghanistan: "A Territorial Army rifleman from Devon who died on duty in Afghanistan was unlawfully killed, an inquest has ruled.
Mark Marshall, a 29-year-old police community support officer (PCSO) from Exeter, was killed on 14 February 2010 in Helmand province.
He had been on foot patrol with 6th Battalion The Rifles when an improvised explosive device detonated.
Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland said she was 'humbled' by his sacrifice.
At the time of his death Rifleman Marshall had been acting as a 'point man', with the role of clearing improvised bombs.
His acting commanding officer Captain Benedict Shuttleworth told the inquest at Exeter County Hall that he had volunteered for the role, which involved using a metal detector known as a 'Vallon'."
Mark Marshall, a 29-year-old police community support officer (PCSO) from Exeter, was killed on 14 February 2010 in Helmand province.
He had been on foot patrol with 6th Battalion The Rifles when an improvised explosive device detonated.
Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland said she was 'humbled' by his sacrifice.
At the time of his death Rifleman Marshall had been acting as a 'point man', with the role of clearing improvised bombs.
His acting commanding officer Captain Benedict Shuttleworth told the inquest at Exeter County Hall that he had volunteered for the role, which involved using a metal detector known as a 'Vallon'."
Soldier killed in Afghan attack on Pak check-post
Soldier killed in Afghan attack on Pak check-post: "A soldier was killed and seven others sustained injuries, some seriously, when the Nato and Afghan forces fired mortar shells at the Bangidar security checkpost in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Wednesday, official and tribal sources said.
The sources said Nato and Afghan forces from the neighbouring Khost province in Afghanistan fired dozens of mortar shells at the security checkpost in Bangidar, a remote border area in North Waziristan.
One soldier was killed and seven others sustained injuries after several shells struck the checkpost.The sources added that some of the injured were in critical condition and shifted to a hospital. The structure of the checkpost was also damaged.
Pakistani forces returned the fire with artillery and rocket launchers and targeted the Nato and Afghan forces’ positions across the border. However, the report about the casualties or destruction to property could not be confirmed as the Pak-Afghan route remained closed during the border clash."
:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder
The sources said Nato and Afghan forces from the neighbouring Khost province in Afghanistan fired dozens of mortar shells at the security checkpost in Bangidar, a remote border area in North Waziristan.
One soldier was killed and seven others sustained injuries after several shells struck the checkpost.The sources added that some of the injured were in critical condition and shifted to a hospital. The structure of the checkpost was also damaged.
Pakistani forces returned the fire with artillery and rocket launchers and targeted the Nato and Afghan forces’ positions across the border. However, the report about the casualties or destruction to property could not be confirmed as the Pak-Afghan route remained closed during the border clash."
:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Search goes on for missing Americans in Iraq
More than four years later, Ahmed Kousay al-Taie, a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan who was born in Iraq, is the only American service member still missing here. His family fears he will never be found.
At the twilight of the U.S. military presence in Iraq, a unit is dedicated to searching for al-Taie and 12 missing civilians, including seven Americans. Its mission is a key piece of unfinished business for the U.S. as it prepares to withdraw its remaining troops from Iraq by the end of this year.
Kidnappings for ransom or political motives, mostly of Iraqis but also many foreigners, were common as the insurgency gained steam after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. The February 2006 bombing of a Shiite mosque by Sunni insurgents caused retaliatory bloodshed to spiral. Death squads roamed the streets."
Blair should be forced to release secret Iraq files, says his former Cabinet Secretary | Mail Online
Blair should be forced to release secret Iraq files, says his former Cabinet Secretary | Mail Online: "Tony Blair should be forced to release secret documents that are believed to show he lied to Parliament over the Iraq War, a former Cabinet Secretary said last night.
The respected mandarin, who served in the last Labour Government, said the ex-Prime Minister was wrong to refuse to release notes of discussions and private memos concerning his pledges to George Bush.
Current Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell came under fire last week after announcing that Mr Blair would not be forced to publish the documents."
The respected mandarin, who served in the last Labour Government, said the ex-Prime Minister was wrong to refuse to release notes of discussions and private memos concerning his pledges to George Bush.
Current Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell came under fire last week after announcing that Mr Blair would not be forced to publish the documents."
Ex-soldier Danny Fitzsimons Iraq murder trial hearing
BBC News - Ex-soldier Danny Fitzsimons Iraq murder trial hearing: "A fresh hearing is being held in the trial of a UK security guard accused of killing two colleagues in Iraq.
Danny Fitzsimons, 30, from Rochdale, is accused of shooting dead the men from security firm ArmorGroup.
The ex-soldier could face the death penalty if he is found guilty of his colleagues' murder.
A verdict is thought to be imminent in the ex-soldier's Baghdad trial which was delayed by adjournments to allow for psychiatric reports to be prepared.
His defence team said their client was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of the incident.
John Tipple, a case worker with solicitors Linn and Associates, said: 'I am alarmed by reports that no notice is being taken of his psychiatric state.'
Mr Fitzsimons is accused of killing Paul McGuigan, of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, and Darren Hoare, of Queensland, Australia, both 37, on 9 August, 2009.
Mr Fitzsimons' family in the UK have called on the British government to bring him back to face a trial under the UK judicial system.
The former soldier is the first westerner to stand trial in Iraq after a 2009 US-Iraqi security agreement lifted immunity for foreigners.
The three men had been working for British security firm ArmorGroup, based in the Iraqi capital's fortified Green Zone, at the time."
Danny Fitzsimons, 30, from Rochdale, is accused of shooting dead the men from security firm ArmorGroup.
The ex-soldier could face the death penalty if he is found guilty of his colleagues' murder.
A verdict is thought to be imminent in the ex-soldier's Baghdad trial which was delayed by adjournments to allow for psychiatric reports to be prepared.
His defence team said their client was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of the incident.
John Tipple, a case worker with solicitors Linn and Associates, said: 'I am alarmed by reports that no notice is being taken of his psychiatric state.'
Mr Fitzsimons is accused of killing Paul McGuigan, of Peebles in the Scottish Borders, and Darren Hoare, of Queensland, Australia, both 37, on 9 August, 2009.
Mr Fitzsimons' family in the UK have called on the British government to bring him back to face a trial under the UK judicial system.
The former soldier is the first westerner to stand trial in Iraq after a 2009 US-Iraqi security agreement lifted immunity for foreigners.
The three men had been working for British security firm ArmorGroup, based in the Iraqi capital's fortified Green Zone, at the time."
Canada bids to expel suspected terrorist - UPI.com
Canada bids to expel suspected terrorist - UPI.com: "Proceedings to expel a suspected al-Qaida terrorist from Canada back to Algeria have begun, but an appeal on human-rights issues has been raised, lawyers said.
A lawyer for former Ottawa pizza delivery worker Mohamed Harkat, 42, said a Ministry of Immigration letter announcing the government's intention to deport the man would be appealed, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Attorney Matt Webber told reporters he would fight the order all the way to the Supreme Court, as Harkat could be subjected to torture in his native country.
Harkat was arrested in 2002 and accused of being an al-Qaida 'sleeper agent' who gathered intelligence to aid terror activities.
In December a federal court deemed him to be a security threat, leading to the deportation order, the Ottawa Citizen said."
A lawyer for former Ottawa pizza delivery worker Mohamed Harkat, 42, said a Ministry of Immigration letter announcing the government's intention to deport the man would be appealed, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Attorney Matt Webber told reporters he would fight the order all the way to the Supreme Court, as Harkat could be subjected to torture in his native country.
Harkat was arrested in 2002 and accused of being an al-Qaida 'sleeper agent' who gathered intelligence to aid terror activities.
In December a federal court deemed him to be a security threat, leading to the deportation order, the Ottawa Citizen said."
Suspected terrorist loses his extradition fight
Suspected terrorist loses his extradition fight - Local News - News - Gazette Live: "ALLEGED Al-Qaeda terrorist who was arrested in Middlesbrough on the fifth anniversary of the London bombings has lost his fight against extradition.
Abid Naseer, 24, will now face trial in America for an alleged plot to bomb UK targets, including Manchester City Centre, and an alleged July 7-style peroxide bomb plot on the New York subway.
Naseer, who was arrested in Middlesbrough on July 7, is accused of plotting terrorist attacks in America, England and Norway in 2009, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.
Following his arrest in Middlesbrough, Naseer, who allegedly trained with Al-Qaeda in Pakistan, was taken to London for a late-night extradition hearing at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court and has been in custody ever since."
Abid Naseer, 24, will now face trial in America for an alleged plot to bomb UK targets, including Manchester City Centre, and an alleged July 7-style peroxide bomb plot on the New York subway.
Naseer, who was arrested in Middlesbrough on July 7, is accused of plotting terrorist attacks in America, England and Norway in 2009, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.
Following his arrest in Middlesbrough, Naseer, who allegedly trained with Al-Qaeda in Pakistan, was taken to London for a late-night extradition hearing at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court and has been in custody ever since."
Frontline cop in Afghanistan reveals battle to bring law and order to badlands - The Daily Record
Frontline cop in Afghanistan reveals battle to bring law and order to badlands - The Daily Record: "AN officer policing the Afghanistan frontline has revealed a chilling epidemic of ruthless murders and sexual slavery in the country's tribal badlands.
Military policeman Billy Hayes was sent to the deadliest part of the ravaged nation to mould new recruits and build a new force to take on Taliban fanatics.
He discovered a crime-ridden wasteland littered by roadside bombs where warlords kidnapped boys for their sexual pleasures.
But his tour of duty scored a series of spectacular successes, including:
Capturing a serial killer who wiped out an entire family, including two girls aged just three and five years old.
Rescuing a 12-year-old boy who had been snatched off the streets by heavily armed militiamen to serve as a 'dancing boy' for their perverse amusement.
Saving hundreds of British soldiers by pinpointing clusters of mines and roadside bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the Taliban."
Military policeman Billy Hayes was sent to the deadliest part of the ravaged nation to mould new recruits and build a new force to take on Taliban fanatics.
He discovered a crime-ridden wasteland littered by roadside bombs where warlords kidnapped boys for their sexual pleasures.
But his tour of duty scored a series of spectacular successes, including:
Capturing a serial killer who wiped out an entire family, including two girls aged just three and five years old.
Rescuing a 12-year-old boy who had been snatched off the streets by heavily armed militiamen to serve as a 'dancing boy' for their perverse amusement.
Saving hundreds of British soldiers by pinpointing clusters of mines and roadside bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices planted by the Taliban."
Funeral for hero soldier killed in Afghanistan
Funeral for hero soldier killed in Afghanistan - mirror.co.uk: "A SIMPLE wreath reading Hero adorned the coffin at the funeral of a “caring” soldier who was killed by a bomb in Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Charlie Wood, 34, died on December 28 shortly after defusing a 20kg bomb while clearing a path for colleagues.
His mum and widow fought back tears as his coffin, draped in a Union flag, was carried into St John the Evangelist Church in Middlesbrough by comrades. The procession also passed Middlesbrough FC.
Major Piers Strudwick, officer commanding, C Company 2 Scots, said WO Wood organised Christmas at his patrol base, Nahidullah.
He said: “The delivery of Christmas dinner to soldiers was planned by him and is an example of how he cared for the welfare of soldiers.”"
Warrant Officer Charlie Wood, 34, died on December 28 shortly after defusing a 20kg bomb while clearing a path for colleagues.
His mum and widow fought back tears as his coffin, draped in a Union flag, was carried into St John the Evangelist Church in Middlesbrough by comrades. The procession also passed Middlesbrough FC.
Major Piers Strudwick, officer commanding, C Company 2 Scots, said WO Wood organised Christmas at his patrol base, Nahidullah.
He said: “The delivery of Christmas dinner to soldiers was planned by him and is an example of how he cared for the welfare of soldiers.”"
Fundraiser celebrates vet wounded in Afghanistan
Fundraiser celebrates vet wounded in Afghanistan :: Local News :: Post-Tribune: "With sirens screaming, a motorcade passed by an honor line of American flags on Saturday as it brought military hero John Masson back home for a packed benefit for him at American Legion Post 100.
One of the onlookers showing support was Bill Crawford of the Indiana Patriot Guard.
'I'm just proud to be here,' said Crawford, a resident of Francesville.
Masson lost his left hand and both legs in October when he stepped on a hidden improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Ranger medic.
After exiting an impressively long limousine, the 39-year-old Masson entered the legion hall to a rousing reception that was accented by the playing of Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the U.S.A.'
With a giant 'Welcome Home' banner as a backdrop, Masson settled in to greet a mammoth stream of well-wishers and accept emotional hugs.
'I love you guys; thank you so much,' said the Lake Station native who had sacrificed so much in service to his country. 'I promise you I would do it all over again. God bless America.'"
One of the onlookers showing support was Bill Crawford of the Indiana Patriot Guard.
'I'm just proud to be here,' said Crawford, a resident of Francesville.
Masson lost his left hand and both legs in October when he stepped on a hidden improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army Ranger medic.
After exiting an impressively long limousine, the 39-year-old Masson entered the legion hall to a rousing reception that was accented by the playing of Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the U.S.A.'
With a giant 'Welcome Home' banner as a backdrop, Masson settled in to greet a mammoth stream of well-wishers and accept emotional hugs.
'I love you guys; thank you so much,' said the Lake Station native who had sacrificed so much in service to his country. 'I promise you I would do it all over again. God bless America.'"
The battle back home
The battle back home | Canada | News | Toronto Sun: "The combat mission in Kandahar will soon be over for Canadian soldiers, but the legacy of pain and suffering will last a lifetime for thousands of wounded troops.
Afghanistan veterans return to Canada to fight a new battle on the home front. Some have lost limbs, skin, hearing or sight. Others are traumatized from witnessing bloodshed or encountering close calls with their own death.
Most are grieving fallen friends.
Lt.-Col. Rakesh Jetly, adviser to the Canadian Forces surgeon general on mental health and psychiatry, said one of the biggest challenges is helping these troops adjust to 'the new normal' — and ensuring they don't fall off the radar after warfare ends.
'It's naive to think just because the combat mission ceases or changes that these cases aren't going to continue to surface,' he said. 'There could be cases from Afghanistan for many years to come. This has affected a whole generation of soldiers, and it will be a generation's worth of work for the mental health professionals within our organization.'"
Afghanistan veterans return to Canada to fight a new battle on the home front. Some have lost limbs, skin, hearing or sight. Others are traumatized from witnessing bloodshed or encountering close calls with their own death.
Most are grieving fallen friends.
Lt.-Col. Rakesh Jetly, adviser to the Canadian Forces surgeon general on mental health and psychiatry, said one of the biggest challenges is helping these troops adjust to 'the new normal' — and ensuring they don't fall off the radar after warfare ends.
'It's naive to think just because the combat mission ceases or changes that these cases aren't going to continue to surface,' he said. 'There could be cases from Afghanistan for many years to come. This has affected a whole generation of soldiers, and it will be a generation's worth of work for the mental health professionals within our organization.'"
The U.S. Defense Department’s latest announcements of fatalities:
The U.S. Defense Department’s latest announcements of fatalities:
•Army Pfc. Amy R. Sinkler, 23, of Chadbourn, N.C., was killed Jan. 20 by a rocket-propelled grenade in Baghlan province, Afghanistan.
•Marine Sgt. Jason G. Amores, 29, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., was killed Jan. 20 in combat in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
•Army Spc. Joshua T. Lancaster, 22, of Millbrook, Ala., was killed Jan. 19 by indirect fire at the Kandahar airfield in Afghanistan.
•The body of Navy Petty Officer Dominique Cruz, 26, of Panama City, Fla., was found Jan. 19 in the Gulf of Oman after he was reported missing Jan. 18.
•Army Maj. Michael S. Evarts, 41, of Concord, Ohio, was killed Jan. 17 in Tikrit, Iraq, in an incident unrelated to combat.
•Marine Cpl. Joseph C. Whitehead, 22, of Axis, Ala., was killed Jan. 17 in combat in Helmand.
•Army Sgt. Michael P. Bartley, 23, of Barnhill, Ill., was killed Jan. 15 in Mosul, Iraq, when an Iraqi army trainee shot him.
•Army Spc. Martin J. Lamar, 43, of Sacramento, Calif., also was killed in the Mosul attack.
•Army Spc. Jose A. Torre Jr., 21, of Garden Grove, Calif., was killed Jan.15 by a rocket-propelled grenade in Baghdad.
•Army Pfc. Zachary S. Salmon, 21, of Harrison, Ohio, was killed Jan. 12 by small-arms fire in Kunar province, Afghanistan.
•Army Maj. Evan J. Mooldyk, 47, of Ranch Murieto, Calif., was killed Jan. 12 in Khowst province, Afghanistan, in an incident unrelated to combat.
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/01/22/2602842/recent-us-military-deaths-in-iraq.html#ixzz1BrAT34Lf
German defense minister orders comprehensive military probe | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 23.01.2011
German defense minister orders comprehensive military probe | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 23.01.2011: "Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has ordered a thorough investigation of the the German army, navy and air force following a recent spate of problems, including an alleged mutiny on board a training ship, the accidental shooting of a soldier in Afghanistan and claims of tampering with army mail.
The minister said he would also ask investigators to find out whether there have been cases of 'a relationship between too much pressure on troops and breaches of the basic principles of the internal leadership,' such as the frivolous handling of weapons.
Guttenberg said he believed that the recent problems were simply isolated incidents.
'But I'm taking a decisive step against all those who suspect the Bundeswehr of wrongdoing,' the minister told the popular Bild am Sonntag newspap"
The minister said he would also ask investigators to find out whether there have been cases of 'a relationship between too much pressure on troops and breaches of the basic principles of the internal leadership,' such as the frivolous handling of weapons.
Guttenberg said he believed that the recent problems were simply isolated incidents.
'But I'm taking a decisive step against all those who suspect the Bundeswehr of wrongdoing,' the minister told the popular Bild am Sonntag newspap"
Australia soldier gets Victoria Cross for Afghan battle
BBC News - Australia soldier gets Victoria Cross for Afghan battle: "An Australian soldier has been awarded the country's highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, for bravery while serving in Afghanistan.
Cpl Benjamin Roberts-Smith, 32, was given the medal for single-handedly overpowering Taleban machine-gunners attacking his platoon last June.
'You went to Afghanistan a soldier, you came back a hero,' Australian PM Julia Gillard said at the awards ceremony.
Cpl Roberts-Smith said the real heroes where those who died for the country.
Australia has a 1,550-strong contingent in Afghanistan."
Cpl Benjamin Roberts-Smith, 32, was given the medal for single-handedly overpowering Taleban machine-gunners attacking his platoon last June.
'You went to Afghanistan a soldier, you came back a hero,' Australian PM Julia Gillard said at the awards ceremony.
Cpl Roberts-Smith said the real heroes where those who died for the country.
Australia has a 1,550-strong contingent in Afghanistan."
Iraq bomb blasts kill eight
Iraq bomb blasts kill eight | World news | The Guardian: "A series of bomb blasts killed eight people and wounded 33 across Baghdad this morning.
The three-hour drumbeat of explosions began in Baghdad's rush hour at the start of the working week. An Iraqi intelligence official said the attacks were attempt to undermine security ahead of a meeting of Arab heads of state in Baghdad in late March.
Police said at least two car bombs exploded, apparently targeting police patrols, killing a policeman and a bystander. Two people were killed in a blast at the offices of the government sewage department.
In the city's northern Kazimiyah suburb, another bomb exploded near a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims, killing one and injuring nine. Shia pilgrims make daily visits to the gold-domed shrine of Kazimiyah, where two revered imams are buried.
In Taji, north of Baghdad, a car bomb killed a farmer and his son heading to a nearby market to sell their crops. In nearby Tarmiyah, once an insurgent stronghold, a bomb went off outside a school, killing a seven-year-old boy.
Violence in Iraq has dropped dramatically since a few years ago when daily death tolls sometimes were in the hundreds. But small-scale bombings and drive-by shootings still persist on a near daily basis. No group immediately took responsibility for today's attacks."
:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder
The three-hour drumbeat of explosions began in Baghdad's rush hour at the start of the working week. An Iraqi intelligence official said the attacks were attempt to undermine security ahead of a meeting of Arab heads of state in Baghdad in late March.
Police said at least two car bombs exploded, apparently targeting police patrols, killing a policeman and a bystander. Two people were killed in a blast at the offices of the government sewage department.
In the city's northern Kazimiyah suburb, another bomb exploded near a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims, killing one and injuring nine. Shia pilgrims make daily visits to the gold-domed shrine of Kazimiyah, where two revered imams are buried.
In Taji, north of Baghdad, a car bomb killed a farmer and his son heading to a nearby market to sell their crops. In nearby Tarmiyah, once an insurgent stronghold, a bomb went off outside a school, killing a seven-year-old boy.
Violence in Iraq has dropped dramatically since a few years ago when daily death tolls sometimes were in the hundreds. But small-scale bombings and drive-by shootings still persist on a near daily basis. No group immediately took responsibility for today's attacks."
:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder
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