Baghdad Blast Kills 5 US Troops

Al-Qaeda blamed for killing of Sunni politician and family

(NEWSER) - The killing of 13 men and boys west of Baghdad over the weekend has sparked fears of a fresh eruption in sectarian fighting. The victims, including a Sunni politician and several of his relatives, were snatched from their homes and shot by men in Iraqi army uniforms, according to authorities. Residents say the killings appear to be the work of al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Washington Post reports. More»

Bombers strike in Baghdad and Kirkuk

(NEWSER) - Suicide attacks in Iraq today killed at least 50 people and injured about 250, making it one of deadliest days in the country in months, Reuters reports. In Baghdad, three female suicide bombers blew themselves up during a religious pilgrimage, killing 28 and injuring 92. In the northern city of Kirkuk, a bomber killed 22 and wounded 150 at a demonstration against elections law. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but al-Qaeda is suspected. More»

Death of insurgents leaves female relatives feeling suicide is their only option

(NEWSER) - Female suicide bombings are on the rise in Iraq's restive Diyala province, the New York Times reports, and success in combating al-Qaeda may be the cause. Many local insurgents have been killed or detained, leaving their surviving female relatives with little hope for the future. They often come under great pressure to give their own lives for the cause. More»

String of coordinated bombings strike 12 cities

(NEWSER) - A rapid series of bombings and shootings exploded across 12 Iraqi cities today, in what appeared to be a large, coordinated al-Qaeda attack. The attacks hit government offices, restaurants, and in one case exploded close to a primary school, though security forces appeared to be the primary targets, the AP reports. No one has claimed responsibility yet, but targeting security forces is a hallmark of al-Qaeda in Iraq, which has been launching high profile attacks every few weeks. More»

(NEWSER) - As the US military prepares to withdraw from Iraq's cities, security officials in both countries have observed that a smaller but more lethal insurgency seems to be gaining ground. Several recent bombings, believed to be orchestrated by al-Qaeda in Iraq, have killed 123 people in Baghdad and elsewhere, while members of the Sunni Awakening Movement have faced assassination attempts. As the New York Times reports, the attacks are a reminder of instability in a country that has been relatively peaceful of late. More»