Country Profile for IRAQ

Alert for Iraq

Gunmen kill 12 in Baghdad brothel - 22 May 2013:

At least 12 people have been shot dead after gunmen stormed into a brothel in the Zayouna district of eastern Baghdad before opening fire.  Police confirmed that seven women and five men were killed in the attack, while one of the gunmen reportedly wrote "wanted" on the wall of the house.

Latest series of bombings leave 13 dead across Iraq - 21 May 2013:

At least 13 people have been killed in the latest series of bomb attacks to hit Iraq, and come a day after more than 70 died in sectarian violence across the country.  Three roadside bombs killed six people in Kirkuk, while two blasts were reported in the town of Tuz Khurmato, leaving three dead.  Three soldiers were also killed in a suicide bomb attack at a checkpoint in Tarmiya, north of Baghdad.

More than 50 killed in wave of attacks across Iraq - 20 May 2013:

At least 50 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in a series of deadly attacks across Iraq.  At least 20 people have died in a series of car bombings in mainly Shia districts of the capital Baghdad this morning, while 11 others have been killed in the southern city of Basra.  Over the weekend at least 10 police officers were killed in an attack on a police checkpoint in the northern town of Rawa and 10 others were kidnapped by militants in Ramadi.

Baquba mosque bombings leave 38 dead - 17 May 2013:

At least 38 people have been killed after two bombs exploded outside a Sunni mosque in the city of Baquba. The blasts occurred as people were leaving the mosque following Friday prayers, and follows similar sectarian attacks against Shia Muslims in recent days.

Series of bombings leave 38 dead across Iraq - 16 May 2013:

At least 38 people have been killed and 120 others wounded in a series of bomb attacks across Iraq.  At least 14 people were killed in Shia areas of Baghdad where a total of 11 blasts were reported.  Other attacks were reported in Tarmiyah and in the northern city of Kirkuk.

Mosque bombing kills eight in Kirkuk - 16 May 2013:

At least eight people have been killed and 40 others wounded in a suicide bomb attack at a Shia mosque in the northern city of Kirkuk.  The bomber was prevented from entering the mosque by police and so detonated his explosive belt near the entrance of the site instead.  At the time of the blast the mosque was being attended by relatives of victims from similar sectarian attacks on Wednesday.

Attacks across northern Iraq leave four dead - 8 May 2013:

At least four people have been killed in separate incidents across northern Iraq.   Three police officers died when a gunman targeted a checkpoint in the western city of Fallujah, while a Kurdish security guard was killed and six others wounded by a suicide car bomb in Kirkuk.

Troops kill 14 militants in Mosul clashes - 4 May 2013:

Iraqi troops have killed at least 14 militants and arrested 10 others during clashes in the northern city of Mosul.  On Thursday the UN's Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said that April 2013 was the deadliest in the country since June 2008, with more than 712 people killed and 1,600 others wounded.

Bomb attacks leave 15 dead across Iraq - 1 May 2013:

At least 15 people have been killed in a wave of bomb attacks, the latest in a series of sectarian attacks between Sunnis and Shia.  Six people died when a suicide bomber exploded his device in the midst of a group of government-backed Sunni fighters in Fallujah, while four police officers were also killed by a roadside bomb in the northern town of Baiji.  Other deadly attacks were reported in northern Baghdad and in the city of Ramadi.

Multiple car bombs hit Shia provinces in southern Iraq - 29 April 2013:

At least 12 people have been killed in a series of car bombs in Shia-majority provinces of southern Iraq.  Two bombs exploded in the town of Amara in Missan province, while other blasts were reported in Diywaniya and Karbala.

Police officer killed in continuing unrest - 25 April 2013:

At least 20 Iraqi police officers have been killed during clashes with Sunni militants in the city of Mosul.  More than 100 people have died in three days of violence in Iraq, which began with a government crackdown on a Sunni protest in Hawija on Tuesday.

Mortar attack kills 10 in Diyala province - 24 April 2013:

At least 10 people have been killed in a mortar attack on a Sunni mosque in Muqdadiya in Diyala province.  

Militants clash with security forces in northern Iraq - 24 April 2013:

At least 15 people have been killed in clashes between militants and security forces in the northern town of Sulaiman Pek.  Four army helicopters reportedly bombed the town as security forces attempted to drive away gunmen.

Clashes at Sunni protest leave 26 dead - 23 April 2013:

At least 26 people have been killed during clashes between Sunni protesters and Iraqi security forces in the northern town of Hawija.  Local officials said that the unrest began when the army entered the protest area to arrest Sunni rebels known as the Naqshbandiya Army.

Baghdad cafe bombing kills 27 - 18 April 2013:

At least 27 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in a suicide bomb attack in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.  The blast occurred at the Dubai Cafe in the west of the city, and comes ahead of provincial elections in the country.

Wave of bombings leave 33 dead across Iraq - 15 April 2013:

At least 33 people have been killed and more than 200 others wounded in a wave of bombings across Iraq.  A total of 14 car bombs and three roadside bombs were used in the coordinated attacks in Baghdad, Tuz Khurmatu, Kirkuk and Nasariyah.

Mosque bombing leaves 14 dead - 12 April 2013:

At least 14 people have been killed and more than 40 others wounded when two bombs exploded outside a mosque in Diyala province.  The devices were detonated as worshippers were leaving the Omar Bin Abdul-Aziz mosque in the town of Kanaan.

Bomb at Baquba rally kills 25 - 6 April 2013:

At least 25 people have been killed and a further 60 wounded in a suicide bomb and grenade attack at a political rally in the eastern city of Baquba.  Sunni candidate Muthana al-Jourani was meeting supporters at the time of the attack.

Suicide bomber targets police HQ in Tikrit - 1 April 2013:

At least nine people have been killed after a suicide bomber blew up a tanker outside police headquarters in the northern city of Tikrit.  A further 11 people were wounded in the blast, and the majority of casualties were police officers.

Gunmen attack natural gas field in Anbar province - 1 April 2013:

Gunmen have killed at least four people and kidnapped two others in an attack on the Akkas gas field in the western province of Anbar.  The field, which has yet to produce gas, is run by the Korea Gas Company (KOGAS).

Deadly car bombs hit Shia areas of Baghdad - 19 March 2013:

At least 48 people have been killed after a series of car bombs exploded in mostly Shia areas of Baghdad.  A further 150 people were wounded in the blasts, which occurred on the 10th anniversary of the US-led invasion into the country.

Car bomb kills 10 outside Basra - 17 March 2013:

At least 10 people have been killed in a car bombing outside the southern city of Basra.  The blast occurred near a bus station in Garmat Ali, roughly 18km north of the city.

Deadly blasts reported in central Baghdad - 14 March 2013:

At least 14 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in a series of deadly bombings near the Iraqi Ministry of Justice in central Baghdad.  Local media are also reporting that several employees have been taken hostage.

Syria troops killed in western Iraq - 04 March 2013:

At least 40 Syrian soldiers have been killed by unknown gunmen in western Iraq.  The troops had fled across the border to Anbar province in an attempt to escape an attack by rebel Syrian fighters.

Five killed in cattle market blasts - 01 March 2013:

At least five people have been killed after two car bombs exploded at a cattle market in the southern Shia town of Diwaniya.  No group have taken responsibility for the blast, which comes amid increasing attacks by Sunni Muslim insurgents.

Coordinated bombings kill 23 in Baghdad - 28 February 2013:

At least 23 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in a series of bombings in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.  The most deadly attack occurred when two devices exploded near a football field in the Shuala area of the city, killing 19 people.

Car bombs kill 21 across the capital - 17 February 2013:

At least 21 people have been killed in a series of car bombs in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.  The blasts appeared to target Shia areas of the city, including the Ourfally, Kiyara and Dalah Street districts in the eastern suburb if Sadr City.

Intelligence chief killed in suicide blast - 16 February 2013:

The head of Iraq's intelligence academy and his two bodyguards have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the northern town of Tal Afar.  General Ali Aouni  was not believed to have been the main target of the attack.

Rocket attack on Iranian camp kills six - 10 February 2013:

At least six people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in a rocket attack on a camp for Iranian dissidents in Iraq.  The Camp Liberty houses members of the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), a militant group which seeks to overthrow the current Iranian regime.  A Hezbollah group in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Car bombs target Shias in central Iraq - 08 February 2013:

At least 26 people have been killed and more than 80 wounded in a series of car bombings in Shia areas of central Iraq.  Twin blasts at a market in northern Baghdad killed 16 people, while a further two bombings in Hilla killed 10 people.

Suicide bombers target pro-government militia - 04 February 2013:

At least 19 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the central town of Taji.  Most of the victims belonged to the pro-government Sunni Sahwa militia, which has been fighting al-Qaeda in the country.

Kirkuk police killed in suicide blast - 03 February 2013:

At least 36 people have been killed and 105 wounded in a suicide bomb attack in the northern city of Kirkuk.  Gunmen attempted to seize a police compound in the city following the blast at the gates, but were repelled by police.

Sunnis rally against government in Anbar - 01 February 2013:

Thousands of Sunnis have gathered to protest against the government in the Anbar province of Iraq.  Other large rallies have also been held in the provincial capital Ramadi and the city of Fallujah.  The protesters are complaining that they have been neglected by the Shia-led government. 

Iraqi troops open fire on Fallujah protesters - 25 January 2013:

At least 5 people have been killed and 40 others wounded after Iraqi troops opened fire on Sunni protesters in Fallujah.  The demonstrators claim that Sunnis have been increasingly marginalised by the Shia-led Iraqi government.

Mosque blast kills 20 in Tuz Khurmato - 23 January 2013:

At least 35 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack at a Shia mosque in the town of Tuz Khurmato.  A further 70 people were wounded in the blast, which occurred at the Sayida al-Shuhada mosque.  

Shia pilgrims killed in targeted bomb attacks - 17 January 2013:

At least 12 people have been killed in a series of targeted bomb attacks across Iraq.  Seven Shia pilgrims were killed by twin bombings in Baghdad, while four more pilgrims died in a blast in Hilla.

Kurdish office targeted in suicide attack - 16 January 2013:

At least 10 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack on the office of the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) in the northern city of Kirkuk.  More than 90 people are reported to have been wounded in the blast.

Sunni MP killed by suicide bomber - 15 January 2013:

A Sunni member of parliament and his bodyguard have been killed in a suicide attack in the western province of Anbar.  Ayfan Sadoun al-Essawi, a member of the Iraqiya bloc, was targeted on a road between Fallujah and Amriyah.

Iraq shuts Jordan border crossing - 09 January 2013:

Iraq has closed the country's Teraibeel border crossing near Jordan due to Sunni protests against Shia Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.  Local Sunni officials said the government had closed the crossing in an attempt to choke the local economy.

Shia pilgrims killed in car bomb blast - 03 January 2013:

A car bomb has killed at least 20 Shia pilgrims in the town of Musayyib as they returned from the holy city of Karbala.  The incident is the latest in a series of targeted attacks against Shia worshippers in the country.

Bombs kill 22 across Iraq - 31 December 2012:

A series of bombings have killed at least 22 people and wounded dozens more across Iraq.  In the deadliest attacks seven people were killed in the southern town of Mussayib, while a further five were killed by a car bomb in a district of Baghdad.

Further wave of bombings kill 20 across Iraq - 17 December 2012:

At least 20 people have been killed in a series of attacks across Iraq, a day after a wave of bombings killed nine people in the country.  Incidents were reported in Tikrit, Khaznah, Tuz Khurmatu and the village of al-Buslaibi outside Baghdad.

Bombings in northern Iraq kill nine - 16 December 2012:

At least nine people have been killed in a series of bombings across northern Iraq.  Four people died after two car bombs exploded in a Shia suburb of Tuz Khurmatu in Kirkuk province, while an explosion in Mosul killed five people.

Bomb attacks target Shias in Hilla and Karbala - 29 November 2012:

At least 33 people have been killed in bomb attacks which appear to have targeted Shia Muslims in the Iraqi cities of Hilla and Karbala.  A twin blast in Hilla killed 28 people while a car bomb killed five others at a shrine in Karbala.

Series of bombing kill 14 across Iraq - 14 November 2012:

At least 14 people have been killed in a series of bombing across Iraq, on the eve of the Islamic month of Muharram.  Five people were killed when three coordinated bombs exploded in the city of Kirkuk, while four people were killed when a car bomb targeted an army patrol in the town of Hawija.  Other blasts were reported in Baghdad, Balad Ruiz and Hilla.

Dozens killed in Taji car bomb - 06 November 2012:

At least 27 people have been killed after a car bomb exploded in the town of Taji, around 25km north of Baghdad.  The blast occurred at the entrance to an army base as new recruits lined up to enrol.

Violence during Eid leaves dozens dead - 28 October 2012:

At least 46 people have been killed over the weekend in a series of attacks as Iraqi's celebrated the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.  A wave of attacks on Saturday claimed 31 lives, while a further 15 people were killed in car and roadside bombings on Sunday.  

Baghdad attacks leave 11 dead - 20 October 2012:

At least 11 people have been killed and around 48 injured in a series of bomb and gun attacks in the capital, Baghdad.  Seven people were killed when two bombs exploded near a Shia shrine, while two police officers where killed when gunmen opened fire on their patrol in the city.

Attacks in northern Iraq leave six dead - 15 October 2012:

At least six people have been killed across northern Iraq in a series of gun and bomb attacks.  Three police officers and two members of the Sunni-dominated militia the Awakening Council were among the dead.  The attacks took place in Tuz Khurmatu, Kirkuk and outside the city of Samarra. 

Car bomb attacks kills 32 across Iraq - 30 September 2012:

A series of coordinated car bomb attacks have left at least 32 people dead and more than 100 wounded across Iraq.  Four car bombs exploded in the town of Taji, killing eight people, while in the southern town of Madain a bomb exploded at a Shia shrine which was being visited by Iranian pilgrims.

Gunmen free dozens of prisoners in Tikrit - 28 September 2012:

More than 80 prisoners have escaped after gunmen attacked a prison in the city of Tikrit.  At least 10 police officers were killed in the raid, which started with a suicide bomb attack at the prison gate.

Coordinated attacks target security forces - 25 September 2012:

A series of coordinates attacks have targeted security forces across Iraq, leaving at least eight people dead.  In Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad, militants attacked a police station with two car bombs, RPGs and assault rifles.  Elsewhere, gunmen attacked a police patrol in Al-Mukhisa near the city of Baquba, while a checkpoint was also attacked in Zayouna in east Baghdad.  

Car bombing kills seven in Baghdad - 17 September 2012:

At least seven people have been killed in a suicide car bomb attack in Baghdad's International Zone.  The blast took place near a checkpoint on the Tigris River, with at least three security personnel among the dead. 

Multiple bombings across Iraq kill dozens - 09 September 2012:

At least 73 people have been killed and more than 200 wounded in a series of bombings across Iraq. Attacks were reported in a total of 11 cities, including Balad, Kirkuk, Nasiryah and Baghdad.

Rocket fire kills spills over into Iraq - 08 September 2012:

Rocket fire from Syria has killed a young girl in Iraq following fighting outside the town of Albu Kamal.  The Iraqi interior ministry said that four rockets hit the western border town of al-Qaim.

Death toll increases to 82 - 17 August 2012:

Further attacks across Iraq have left at least 82 people dead and hundreds more wounded.  Incidents were reported in 15 different cities, and happened as people were preparing for the Eid festival, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Attacks across Iraq leave seven dead - 16 August 2012:

At least seven people have been killed and around 34 injured during a series of violent attacks across Iraq.  Three people were killed in Kirkuk where four bombings were reported, while other attacks were reported in Baghdad and Taji.

Suwayrah bombing leaves 11 dead - 08 August 2012:

At least 11 people have been killed in a car bomb attack near the central town of Suwayrah.  A further 20 people were wounded in the blast, which appeared to have targeted a group of Shia Muslims.

Car bombings kill 19 in Baghdad - 31 July 2012:

At least 19 people have been killed after two car bombs exploded in central Baghdad.  The blasts, which occurred in the central Shia district of Karrada, also left around 50 people wounded. 

Security officers killed in clashes - 26 July 2012:

At least 19 people, including 12 police officers, have been killed during fighting in the town of Hadid.  The clashes started when militants, suspected to be members of al-Qaeda, shot down a military surveillance helicopter.

More than 40 killed in wave of attacks across Baghdad - 23 July 2012:

A series of bomb and gun attacks across northern Baghdad has left at least 45 people dead and more than 100 wounded.  Attacks were reported in Taji, Kirkuk, Dhuluiya, Saadiya, Khan Beni-Saad, Tuz Khurmatu and Dibis.  No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. 

Suicide bombing kills six in Ramadi - 06 July 2012:

At least six people have been killed by a suicide bomb attack in the central town of Ramadi.  The attack apparently targeted a member of the Awakening Council group.

Car bomb kills 25 in southern Iraq - 03 July 2012:

At least 25 people have been killed by a car bomb in the southern city of Diwaniya.  The blast, which also left around 40 people wounded, occurred at a busy market in the city.  Earlier two roadside bombs killed four Shia pilgrims near Kerbala in central Iraq.

Dozen killed in Baghdad car bombings - 28 June 2012:

At least 12 people have been killed and more than 40 wounded by a series of car bombings in Baghdad.  More than 180 people have now been killed by targeted bombings in Iraq since the start of June.

Eight killed in Baghdad market bombings - 22 June 2012:

At least eight people have been killed and more than 50 wounded in two bomb attacks at a market in Baghdad.  The blasts occurred in the mostly Shia suburb of al-Husseiniya.

Suicide blast kills 15 at Shia funeral - 18 June 2012:

A suicide bomb attack has killed at least 15 people at a Shia funeral in the city of Baquba.  A further 40 people were reportedly wounded in the blast.

Baghdad car bombings leave 32 dead - 16 June 2012:

At least 32 people have been killed by two separate car bombings in Baghdad.  The blasts appeared to target Shia pilgrims, and follows a wave of attacks against Shia pilgrims which left 70 people dead last Wednesday.

Hilla and Baghdad attacks kill 62 - 13 June 2012:

At least 62 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in a series of attacks across Iraq.  There have been ten separate incidents reported in Baghdad, and there has been reported attacks across six different provinces.  In Hilla two car bombs exploded outside a restaurant, killing at least 15 people.

Mortar attack kills four in north-west - 10 June 2012:

At least four people have been killed and 30 others wounded by a mortar attack in the north-western district of Kadhimiya.  The shelling appeared to target Shia pilgrims who were congregating ahead of a religious festival in Quraish Square.

Dozens killed in Baghdad car bombing - 04 June 2012:

At least 26 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in a suicide car bomb attack in Baghdad.  The assailant detonated the device outside of the offices of the Shia Waqf organisation.

Baghdad bombings kill four - 31 May 2012:

At least four people have been killed in a series of bomb attacks in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.  One person was killed when a bomb exploded at a road intersection in the north-west of the city, whilst three more people were killed in separate bombings in western Baghdad. 

Market bombing kills five in Baghdad - 18 May 2012:

Five people have been killed after a bomb exploded at a busy market in Baghdad.  At least 37 people were also wounded in the blast in the Sadr City neighbourhood.

Cafe bomb kills eight in Baquba - 26 April 2012:

At least eight people have been killed after two bombs exploded at a cafe in the city of Baquba.  The first explosion was caused by a suicide car bomb, whilst the second device had been planted inside the building.

Multiple bombings leave 23 dead - 19 April 2012:

At least 23 people have been killed following a series of bomb blasts across cities in Iraq.  Five bombs went off in Shia districts of Baghdad, while other attacks were reported in Baquba, Kirkuk, Samarra, Dibis and Taji.

Deadly explosions across Iraq kill 43 - 20 March 2012:

A series of deadly explosions across Iraq have killed at least 43 people and wounded some 200 more.  A total of 16 attacks have been reported in various town and cities; including Kerbala, Kirkuk and Ramadi.

Dozens killed in Iraq bombings - 23 February 2012:

At least 50 people have been killed in a series of bombings and shooting across Iraq, targeting predominantly Shia areas.  The majority of attacks took place across the capital Baghdad, where at least seven separate incidents have been reported.  Bombings have also been reported in the city of Baquba, along with Salahuddin and Kirkuk provinces.

Suicide bomb attack kills 18 in Baghdad - 19 February 2012:

At least 18 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in Baghdad.  A further 26 people were injured in the blast, which occurred outside the Iraqi Police Academy in the east of the city.

Shia funeral targeted in bomb attack - 27 January 2012:

At least 28 people have been killed in a bomb attack which appears to have been targeted at a Shia funeral procession.  The blast, which occurred in the capital Baghdad, is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Shia Muslims in Iraq.

Car bombs kill 10 in Shia Sadr City - 24 January 2012:

At least 10 people have been killed and a further 22 wounded in two car bomb attacks in the Shia district of Sadr City in Baghdad.

Car bomb kills eight in Mosul - 16 January 2012:

At least eight people have been killed after a car bomb exploded in a Shia area of Mosul.  A further five people were injured in the blast.

Basra pilgrims targeted in suicide bomb attack - 14 January 2012:

At least 50 people have been killed after Shia pilgrims were targeted in a suicide bomb attack in Basra.  Another 91 people were injured in the blast, which is the latest in a series of attacks on Shia pilgrims.

Further attacks on Shia pilgrims leave 19 dead - 10 January 2012:

A further series of attacks on Shia pilgrims has left at least 19 people dead and more than 60 wounded.  The attacks targeted worshippers en route to Karbala, and follows similar attacks against Shia pilgrims in Nasiriya last week.

Shia pilgrims targeted in Nasiriya - 05 January 2012:

A suicide bomber has killed at least 44 people in the city of Nasiyra, leaving a further 70 wounded.  The attack targeted Shia pilgrims who were walking towards the holy city of Karbala.

Central Baghdad rocked by bombings - 05 January 2012:

At least 24 people have been killed in a series of bombings in central Baghdad.  A further 66 people were wounded in the blasts, which occurred in the Sadr City and Kadhimiya neighbourhoods.

Car bomb kills seven in central Baghdad - 26 December 2011:

Seven people have been killed by a suicide car bomb attack outside the Interior Ministry in central Baghdad.  A further 27 people were reported to have been wounded by the blast.

Multiple Baghdad bombings kill 63 - 22 December 2011:

At least 63 people have been killed and around 185 injured following a series of bomb attacks in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.  Explosions have been reported in 14 different locations throughout the city and included a combination of car bombs and IEDs.  No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack.

Bomb attack kills 18 Shia pilgrims - 05 December 2011:

At least 18 people have been killed and a further 45 wounded after a car bomb exploded in the central Iraqi city of Hilla.  Police believe that the car bomb was targeting a procession of Shia pilgrims.

Car bomb kills 10 in Khalis - 01 December 2011:

A car bomb has killed 10 people in the town of Khalis, around 50 miles north of Baghdad.  A further 25 people were injured in the blast, which occurred in a crowded market in the town.

Suicide bomb kills 19 at Iraqi prison - 28 November 2011:

A suicide car bomb has killed at least 19 people at a prison outside of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.  The attack took place at the gates of the Hout prison in Taji at around 0800 local time.

Basra bombings kill 19 - 24 November 2011:

At least 19 people have been killed and a further 65 wounded after a series of bomb blasts in the southern city of Basra.  The majority of the victims were police officers and soldiers.

Multiple blast leave eight dead in Baghdad - 06 November 2011:

At least eight people have been killed in Baghdad following a series of bomb blasts at a market in the ciy.  Three devices exploded in the Shurja district as people bought food for the Muslim festival of Eid.

Twin blasts kill six in Baquba - 03 November 2011:

At least six security guards have been killed and dozens more wounded after two bombs exploded in the city of Baquba in Diyala province.  The attacks, a combination of a suicide bomber and a car bomb, appeared to target members of the Sahwa, a Sunni group allied to US military forces.

Seven killed in Basra bombings - 02 November 2011:

Seven people have been killed and and 24 others wounded after multiple bombs exploded in the southern city of Basra.  No group have yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Baghdad bombings kill 36 - 28 October 2011:

At least 36 people have been killed by twin bomb blasts in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.  The first bomb exploded in Ur in the north of the city, while the second went off as emergency services rushed to the area.

Turkish soldiers killed in PKK attack - 19 October 2011:

At least 26 soldiers are reported to have been killed in multiple attacks by PKK militants in south-eastern Turkey.  The attacks were carried out in Cukurca and Yuksekova in the Hakkari province, close to the Iraqi border.  The government have deployed troops and air support to the area, with the Turkish president, Abdullah Gul, saying "they will see that the vengeance for these attacks will be immense."

Twin bomb blasts leave 16 dead in Sadr City - 13 October 2011:

At least 16 people have been killed by twin bomb blasts in the Sadr City region of Baghdad.  The bombs exploded in the al-Hay market in a predominantly Shia neighbourhood.

Multiple bombings leave more than a dozen dead - 12 October 2011:

At least 12 people have been killed in Iraq following a series of bombings in the capital Baghdad.  Another 20 were injured in the attacks, which were aimed at the countries police force.

Five killed in Baghdad bombings - 06 October 2011:

At least five people have been killed and 20 others wounded after two bombs exploded in northern Baghdad.  The first device exploded in Autafiya district in northern Baghdad, while the second exploded at the same location a few hours later, presumably aimed at police and rescue workers.

Car bomb kills 17 at Hilla funeral - 30 September 2011:

At least 17 people have been killed after a car bomb exploded at a funeral near the central city of Hilla.  The attack took place at the Nabi Ayub Shia mosque and Sunni militants are suspected of being behind it.

Karbala bombings leaves nine dead - 25 September 2011:

A series of bomb attacks have left at least nine people dead and 100 more injured in the central city of Karbala.  The attacks, which began with a car bomb, occurred outside a local government office where people were queuing up for identity cards and passports.

Bombings kill five in Ramadi - 21 September 2011:

At least five people have been killed in the western city of Ramadi following coordinated bomb attacks against provincial government offices.

Multiple attacks kill 19 in central Iraq - 14 September 2011:

At least 19 people have been killed and more than 50 injured by multiple attacks against security forces in central Iraq.  A car bomb killed 15 people in the southern town of al-Shumali, while a bomb exploded on a minibus in the western province of Anbar, killing two soldiers.  Earlier gunmen had shot dead two police officers in a suburb of north-eastern Baghdad.

Shia pilgrims attacked in western Iraq - 12 September 2011:

At least 22 Shia pilgrims have been shot dead by unknown gunmen in a remote area in western Iraq.  The attackers are believed to have setup a fake checkpoint in the desert, ordered the passengers off a bus before killing them with automatic weapons.

Nationwide violence claims 41 lives in Iraq - 28 August 2011:

At least 41 people have been killed following a series of attacks carried out across the country over the weekend.  The most deadly attack was carried out on the Umm al Qura mosque in Baghdad were 28 people were killed by a suicide bomber.  Other attacks were reported in Basra, Fallouja and Baghdad.

Turkish military claims to have killed 100 Kurd rebels in Iraq raids - 23 August 2011:

The Turkish military claims to have killed around 100 Kurdish rebels since it launched a series of artillery and air strikes in northern Iraq last week.

Shia militants issue warning to US troops - 22 August 2011:

The Iraqi Shia militant group Kataib Hezbollah has issued a statement declaring that the they are prepared for a "decisive battle" with US troops.  The group has warned against any delays in the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.

Iraqi civilians killed in Turkish air strikes - 21 August 2011:

At least seven Iraqis have been killed by a series of Turkish air strikes in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.  The Turkish military is carrying out operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in south-eastern Turkey and northern Iraq after militants killed around 40 soldiers since July.

Multiple bombings strike across Iraq - 15 August 2011:

At least 69 people have been killed after a series of bombings and shooting across Iraq.  In the most deadly attack 37 people were killed when two bombs exploded in the south-eastern city of Kut.  Other attacks have been reported in Baghdad, Twareej, Tikrit and Diyala province.

Suicide bombing kills 12 in Tikrit - 28 July 2011:

A car bombing and  a suicide bomb attack have killed at least 12 police officers and injured 30 more in the northern city of Tikrit.  The attacks were carried out as the officers were collecting paychecks at a bank in the city.

Iranian security forces clash with Kurdish separatists - 26 July 2011:

Iranian security forces have clashed with Kurdish separatists along the Iraq-Iran border.  At least two civilians have been killed and hundreds displaced by the fighting.

Double bombing near Baghdad kills 27 - 05 July 2011:

At least 27 people have been killed in a double bomb attack on a government building in Taji, 12 miles north of Baghdad.  The attack comes shortly after gunmen carried out a series of attacks across the country which left more than a dozen dead.

Security forces killed in multiple attacks - 05 July 2011:

At least 13 military and police officers have been killed after gunmen carried out a series of attacks across Iraq.  There are reported to have been at least nine attacks in total which were carried out in Baghdad, Kirkuk and Mosul.   

Multiple bombs kill 21 in Baghdad - 23 June 2011:

At least 21 people have been killed after a series of bombs exploded in a crowded market in the capital Baghdad.  More than 100 people are also reported to have been injured by the blasts which occurred at the Shurt al-Raba market in the south of the city.  

Suicide bomb attack kills 27 in southern Iraq - 21 June 2011:

At least 27 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the southern Iraqi city of Diwaniya.  The attackers detonated two car bombs outside the local governor's compound in the city.  Many of the dead are reportedly police officers and dozens of people were also injured in the blast.

French embassy convoy hit by roadside bomb in Baghdad - 20 June 2011:

Seven people have been wounded after a French embassy convoy was hit by a roadside bomb in the Mesbah district of Baghdad.  Four Iraqi security guards who were employed by the embassy were among the injured.

Gunmen storm government building in Diyala province - 14 June 2011:

At least eight people have been killed after gunmen attacked a provincial government building in Baqouba.  The attackers set off two car bombs outside the building before opening fire and taking a number of hostages.

Suicide bomb kills five in Basra - 13 June 2011:

A suicide bomber has killed at least five people and injured 15 more in the southern port city of Basra.  The attacker blew up the suicide car bomb at the entrance to a police compound in the city.

Car bomb kills 12 in Tikrit - 06 June 2011:

At least 12 people have been killed in a suicide car bomb attack in the northern city of Tikrit.  The bomb exploded at the gates of security offices and Tikrit's head of military intelligence is amongst the dead.

US soldiers killed in rocket attack - 06 June 2011:

Five US soldiers have been killed in a suspected rocket attack in the outskirts of Baghdad.  According to local sources the soldiers were killed when five rockets were fired into the US army base Camp Victory.

Triple bomb attack kills 10 in Ramadi - 03 June 2011:

At least 10 people have been killed in a triple bomb attack in the western city of Ramadi.  The bombs exploded near provincial government offices in the city.

Bomb kills 21 in northern city of Tikrit - 03 June 2011:

At least 17 people have been killed in a bomb attack on a mosque in the northern city of Tikrit.  Police and local officials are reported to have been amongst the dead.

Series of bombings kill 16 in Baghdad - 22 May 2011:

At least 16 people have been killed following a series of bombings in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.  Many of the bombs appeared to target Shia areas of the city.

Multiple bomb blasts kill 17 in Kirkuk - 19 May 2011:

At least 17 people have been killed following multiple bombings in the northern city of Kirkuk.  Three bombings have been reported, with two devices exploding close to a police station.

Al-Qaeda prisoners attempt to escape from Baghdad jail - 08 May 2011:

At least 17 people are reported to have been killed after a group of al-Qaeda prisoners attempted to escape from a prison in eastern Baghdad.  The prisoners, led by Abu Huthaifa, wrestled a gun from a guard and began an assault inside the jail.  Six prison officers were killed in the assault along with 11 of the inmates.

Suicide bombing kills police south of Baghdad - 05 May 2011:

A suicide bomber has killed at least 21 police officers and wounded dozens more after blowing up a vehicle packed with explosives outside a police station Hilla, 100km south of Baghdad.  

Car bomb kills nine in southern Baghdad - 04 May 2011:

A car bomb has exploded near a market in southern Baghdad, killing at least nine people and injuring 27 more.  The attack took place in the Abu Dsheer district of the city which is a predominantly poor Shia area.

Suicide attack on mosque kills 10 - 29 April 2011:

A suicide bomber has killed at least 10 people inside a mosque in central Iraq.  The attack took place in the Imam al-Hussein mosque in Baladruz, 50 miles north of Baghdad.

Car bomb kills police chief in Kirkuk - 28 April 2011:

A car bomb has killed five people in Kirkuk, including a senior police officer.  The blast killed Colonel Mohammed Mohsen, three other police officers, one civilian and injured six others.

Clashes between protesters and police leave ninety injured - 19 April 2011:

Two straight days of clashes between protesters and security forces have left more than 90 people with injuries in the northern city of Sulaimaniya in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.  Police are reported to have used tear gas and live ammunition to break up the demonstrations.

Car bombs kill nine in Baghdad Green Zone - 18 April 2011:

At least nine people have been killed and 20 others injured by two car bombs which exploded at the entrance to Baghdad's Green Zone.  The Iraqi government buildings and foreign embassies are located within the heavily fortified centre.

Bomb blasts kill 19 in Iraq - 12 April 2011:

At least 19 people have been killed by a series of bombings throughout Iraq.  Two explosions near a market in Falluja killed six people and injured dozens more, while a roadside bomb killed three people in Baghdad.  Two further road side bombings in Diyala province killed at least 10 people.

Deadly siege on council building leaves 20 dead - 29 March 2011:

At least 20 people have been killed after armed men stormed a council building in the northern city of Tikrit.  More than 60 people are reported to have been injured in the incident which began with a car bomb attack outside of the building.  It has also been reported that the gunmen have taken at least three people hostage.

Police killed in Kurdish protests - 23 March 2011:

Two police officers have been killed following clashes with Kurdish protesters in the northern town of Halabja.  The protesters were calling for political reforms and an end to corruption in the Kurdish Regional Government. 

Turkish nationals kidnapped from Wadi al-Shouk - 19 March 2011:

Two Turkish architects have been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in the town of Wadi al-Shouk.  The two men had been employed by the Iraqi government to help build a school in the area.

Suicide car bomb kills 11 in Diyala - 14 March 2011:

At least 11 people have been killed and 29 more injured when a suicide car bomb exploded in the eastern province of Diyala.  The vehicle was driven into a government compound in the town of Kan'an where the suicide bomber detonated the device, destroying a two storey building in the process.

Six killed by roadside bomb - 06 March 2011:

A roadside bomb has killed six people and injured a dozen more in the southern city of Basra.  The bomb is reported to have been targeted at a US military convoy but instead struck a civilian bus.

Suicide bomber kills nine in northern Iraq - 03 March 2011:

At least nine people have been killed after a suicide bomber attacked a bank in the northern town of Haditha.  More than eight others were injured in the blast, which is believed to be the first major attack in the town since 2009.

Anti-government protesters hold "day of rage" - 25 February 2011:

At least five people have been killed in a series of anti-government protests being held throughout Iraq.  The demonstrations, which have been described as a "day of rage", are calling for political reforms and follow the similar scenes of civilian unrest which has swept through the Arab world in the last couple of months.

Suicide car bomb kills 10 police officers - 21 February 2011:

A suicide car bomb has killed 10 police officers and injured 16 more in the central city of Samarra.  The attacker is reported to have detonated the bomb in a emergency response compound. 

Suicide bomb attack in Muqdadiya kills 13 - 17 February 2011:

At least 13 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in the town of Muqdadiya in Iraq's Diyala governorate.  No group has taken responsibility for the attack.

Suicide bombing leaves almost 50 dead - 13 February 2011:

A suicide bombing has killed almost 50 people and injured more than 80 near the city of Samarra.  The attack targeted Shia pilgrims at a bus depot on the outskirts of the city.

Deadly car bombings hit Kirkuk - 09 February 2011:

At least seven people have been killed by three car bombings in the northern city of Kirkuk.  The explosions all occurred within minutes of each other and appear to have targeted Iraqi security forces.  The city police chief has said that the terrorist group, Amsar Al-Islam, are responsible for the attack.

Multiple bomb attacks kill 12 in Iraq - 04 February 2011:

At least 12 people have been killed in multiple bomb attacks throughout Iraq.  In the most serious attack eight people died, including five police officers, when a car bomb exploded in the centre of Ramadi.

Car bomb kills 50 in Baghdad - 28 January 2011:

At least 50 people have been killed after a massive car bomb exploded in a funeral ceremony in a Shia district of Baghdad.  More than 100 people are reported to have been injured in the incident.

Shia pilgrims targeted in twin bomb blasts - 24 January 2011:

At least 25 people have been killed and around 70 more injured in two separate car bomb attacks in the city of Karbala.  This incident follows a series of attacks against of pilgrims in recent days which have left more than 50 people dead.

Further suicide attacks kill 15 in Diyala province - 20 January 2011:

Suicide bombers have killed at least 15 people in two separate attacks in Diyala province following a renewed campaign targeting Iraqi security forces.  In the deadliest incident a suicide bomber drove an ambulance packed with explosives into a police training centre in Buqubah, killing 13 people and injuring more than 70 others.

Suicide bomb kills 50 in Tikrit - 18 January 2011:

At least 50 people have been killed by a suicide bomb outside a police recruitment centre in Tikrit.  More than 100 people were injured in the blast, many of whom were volunteers waiting to be interviewed in the centre.

Suicide bomber kill Iraqi commander - 29 December 2010:

Two suicide bombers have killed an Iraqi police commander in the northern city of Mosul.  The attackers detonated their bombs within a police compound, destroying the building and burying the commander in the process.  A third attacker was shot dead by police before he could enter the building.

Two suicide bombs kill 14 in Ramadi - 27 December 2010:

Two suicide bombers have killed at least 14 people and left almost 50 injured in Ramadi.

Suicide attacks leave 13 people dead - 12 December 2010:

Two separate suicide attack have left at least 13 people dead and over 40 injured.  The two blasts occurred in Baquaba in central Iraq and in Ramadi in the west of the country.

Bombings across Baghdad target Shia pilgrims - 04 December 2010:

At least 13 people have been killed after a series of bombings throughout Baghdad which targeted Shia pilgrims from Iran.  Police officials have reported that more than 100 people were injured in the blasts.

Car bombing strikes Shia Muslims - 08 November 2010:

A car bomb has exploded in Karbala in central Iraq, killing 10 people and injuring dozens more.  The target of the attack is believed to have been a bus carrying Iranian Shia pilgrims.

Baghdad bombings kills over 100 - 02 November 2010:

A series of coordinated bombings have killed over 100 people in the Iraqi capital.  According to officials the attacks targeted predominantly Shiite areas of the city and consisted of a combination of roadside and car bombings.  Early indications suggest that the Sunni Arab militant group al-Qaeda in Iraq are responsible for the attacks.

Iraq church siege leaves 52 dead - 01 November 2010:

At least 52 people were killed after Iraqi security forces attempted to free hostages being held in a Catholic church in Baghdad.  The Islamic militants al-Qaeda in Iraq had attacked the church and held those inside captive. 

Series of bomb attacks strike across Iraq - 20 October 2010:

A combination of bomb and grenade attack have killed 15 people and injured several others.  The attacks occurred in the central and northern governorates of Salah al-Din, Baghdad and Ninewa.

Iraq Data Sheet

Population: 31.1 million

Major Religion/s: : Islam (65% Shi'a)

International dialling code: +964

International dialling prefix: 00

Emergency services: none currently in operation

Drives: Right

Voltage: 230V

Climate: Arid, semi-arid in the north

Other Major Cities: Arbil, Basra, Mosul, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah

Borders: Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey

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