Monday: 76 Iraqis, 2 GIs Killed; 10 Iraqis, 2 GIs Wounded

Updated at 12:30 a.m. EST, Jan. 2, 2007

Violence continued on Monday, following a weekend where Iraq saw the execution of Saddam Hussein and the 3,000th American casualty. At least 76 Iraqis were killed or found dead today, 10 were injured, and the deaths of two more GIs were reported.

In Coalition news, military authorities reported that two American soldiers were killed and two more injured by an explosive device in Diyala province yesterday. Also, U.S. forces raided a home they believed was a possible safe house for al Qaeda members; six Iraqi people were killed. Al Iraqiya TV that four adults and two children were killed during a U.S air strike in Southern Baghdad. And, mortars fell on British bases in Basra overnight, but no casualties were reported.

At least 40 dumped bodies were discovered overnight and on Monday. Gunmen killed an Iraqi who worked for the Algerian Embassy. Also, explosions were heard in Baghdad, but no casualties were reported.

Three Iraqi soldiers were killed during clashes with gunmen in Fallujah.

In Mosul, gunmen killed a family of five, including three children. Also, four bodies were discovered in different locations around the city. A prison riot nearby left 10 people injured, including seven guards and three inmates.

A roadside bomb in Mahmudiya killed one soldier and wounded three others.

Several large demonstrations were held to protest Saddam's hanging.

Also, the Interior Ministry reported 1,930 civilians deaths for December. This is considered a low estimate; however, it does reflect that violent acts are increasing. The Interior Ministry estimate for January was 548 dead.

Compiled by Margaret Griffis