Friday: 1 U.S. Soldier, 61 Iraqis Killed; 104 Iraqis Wounded

Updated at 12:05 p.m. EST, Nov. 24, 2007

Although the prayer day is often the quietest day for news, this Friday has been markedly violent with an attack on a weekly pet market in Baghdad and more bombings in Mosul among the numerous incidents. Meanwhile, a shrine and a mosque were also attacked, and Khalis was taken over by gunmen. At least 61 Iraqis were killed or found dead and 104 more were wounded in the latest attacks. The DOD reported that one American soldier died in an accident on Wednesday.

In Baghdad, a bomb was detonated at a popular pet and livestock market; at least 15 people were killed and over 55 more were wounded at the al-Ghazl outdoor souk in central Baghdad. Yesterday, two journalists survived an assassination attempt in Karrada; gunmen in a passing vehicle fired upon the married couple and their daughter, but no bullets struck them. Also, six dumped bodies were discovered throughout the city.

A pair of bombs in Mosul killed 21 people people combined, and another 21 people were injured. Also, gunmen blew up a bridge south of town.

Scores of gunmen attacked Khalis this morning. Only five civilians were injured but a thousand residents were used as human shields during the takeover.

In Jalawla, three militants, including two sisters, beheaded their aunt and uncle while forcing the couple’s children to watch.

Two worshippers were killed and two more were wounded during a car bombing at the Atta Allah mosque in Jurf al-Sakhar.

Three bodies were recovered from the Tigris River at Dhuluiya.

Gunmen riding a motorbike in Kut killed an interpreter working for U.S. forces. A policeman was also killed. Also, the morgue has received eight decomposed bodies over the last three days.

The manager of a grain company was kidnapped near Nasariya.

Police in Najaf defused a roadside bomb at a market and also found three mortar rounds. Also, a civilian who was a legal coordinator for the U.S. consulate was gunned down.

In Kirkuk, 33 suspects were captured.

Ten innocent detainees were released in Tal Afar.

A roadside bomb in Balad injured four police commandos. Also, a bomb at the Imam Al-Askari shrine killed one person and wounded two others.

A municipal council member was gunned down in Riyadh. Also, a body was found in a booby-trapped car.

A car bomb in Shurqat killed one policeman and wounded 15 others.

Compiled by Margaret Griffis