Sunday: 78 Iraqis Killed, 83 Wounded

Updated at 11:15 p.m. EDT, Oct. 21, 2007

At least 78 Iraqis were killed or found dead and 83 more were wounded in the latest violence. Most of the casualties occurred during a U.S. raid in Sadr City. During incidents at the Turkish border, another 49 people were killed and 24 more were wounded. No Coalition troops were reported killed.

A major incident occurred in the Baghdad suburb of Sadr City. A U.S. forces raid targeting a suspect believed to be kidnapping cell leader resulted in the deaths of dozens of people. U.S. authorities said a total of 49 gunmen were killed during the raid and subsequent air strikes. Police and hospital spokespeople reported that as many as 13 civilians were killed and 69 more were injured. Two toddlers were among the dead.

In developments near the Turkish border, clashes between Kurdish rebels and Turkish troops left at least 17 Turkish troops dead and 16 wounded. The rebels claim to have taken several hostages, while Turkish authorities say that 32 rebels were killed. Ten soldiers are missing. A landmine killed one person and wounded eight others on a minibus. Also, the Turkish military continues to shell border areas in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, who is Kurdish, called on the rebels in Turkey to disarm. And, the leader of the Kurdish Autonomous Region said they reserved the right to defend themselves, but would not take part in the current conflict at the border.

In Baghdad, four decomposed bodies were found buried in Amiriya overnight, and two more bodies were found today. A gunman was killed and two suspects were arrested during an U.S. forces raid in New Baghdad.

In Mosul, two policemen were killed and two more were wounded during clashes with gunmen. A former Iraqi army officer was killed in an armed attack. Gunmen killed a cement factory employee on his way to work and a sports coach. Also, two Catholics priests were freed after a week in capti; they said they had been treated as guests by their abductors.

Two policemen were killed and four were wounded during a suicide car bombing at a checkpoint in Fallujah.

Shelling at an Iraqi army base in Karbala left one dead and four wounded. Also, 35 people were arrested.

Gunmen in al-Bu Aziz killed a notable sheikh and wounded four others.

Compiled by Margaret Griffis