Updated at 12:15 p.m. EST, Feb. 2, 2008
Bombers in Baghdad ratcheted
up the violence on this prayer day by attacking multiple pet markets. Overall
at least 110 Iraqis were killed and 215 more were wounded across Iraq.
No Coalition troops were reported killed.
In Baghdad, apparently
coordinated attacks on two pet markets left scores dead and authorities wondering
if al-Qaeda has changed it tactics. Both attacks were perpetrated
by female suicide bombers. The larger bombing occurred at the al-Ghazl
pet market, where at least 69
people were killed and over 140 were injured. The market is a favorite with
both customers, who pack it every Friday, and with bombers, who have attacked
al-Ghazl several times.
The second bombing occurred twenty minutes
later in Baghdad al-Jadida (New Baghdad). As many as 29
people were killed there and another 67 were injured there. Questions have
arisen as to whether the
women mentally challenged, and mobile phones, suggesting the women’s vests were
remotely detonated, were discovered.
Three
unidentified bodies were found in
Baghdad.
At a Kut bus
terminal, gunmen killed two policemen
and wounded four civilians.
A sniper in Samarra killed
an Iraq soldier. Clashes between gunmen and police also took place. Three
gunmen were killed and a fourth one was captured.
A 12-year-old
boy was killed in Mosul. Also, seven suspects were arrested
during security operations, and two gunmen were caught
planting a roadside bomb.
Details are sketchy, but a roadside bomb targeting
a U.S. patrol in Hilla left a unknown
number of casualties.
Five suspects were arrested
in Kirkuk, and their explosives were seized. Another cache of weapons were
seized.
A curfew in Fallujah was lifted.
Also two gunmen were arrested
as they were trying to plant a roadside bomb.
In Karbala, two gangs
were arrested.
Compiled by Margaret Griffis