02.07.2008 - Source: Freedom House

Continued terrorist attacks throughout 2007, despite surge in US troop numbers ("Freedom in the World 2008") [ID 25004]

"In an effort to stem sectarian killings in 2007, the U.S. military initiated a troop surge to augment the number of soldiers already in Iraq. While the effort did reduce civilian casualties, terrorist violence continued. Also during the year, Sunni Arab political participation increased, and tribal cooperation with U.S.-led coalition forces dealt significant blows to al-Qaeda. However, the Iraqi government remained unable to independently provide security and other essential services, and made little progress toward enacting long-delayed reform legislation."

Document(s): Open document

26.06.2008 - Source: Congressional Research Service

Report on political and security developments since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime (security situation; factions involved in insurgency) ("Post-Saddam Governance and Security [RL31339]") [ID 25040]

Document(s): Open document

22.04.2008 - Source: UN Security Council

Persistent challgenges despite improvements in security situation ("Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1770 (2007) [S/2008/266]") [ID 24145]

"Despite some improvements in the security situation, the Government of Iraq continues to face formidable challenges to reaching a national consensus on how to share power and resources; however, efforts were made at reconciliation through legislation"

Document(s): Open document

22.04.2008 - Source: UN Security Council

Stabilisation due to agreement between Iraqi Supreme Council and Sadrist Movement; renewed fighting for 6 days; continuing operations in Baghdad and Basra ("Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1770 (2007) [S/2008/266]") [ID 24146]

"On 17 February the five-month-old stabilization pact between the Sadrist Movement and the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq expired, and on 22 February, Moqtada al-Sadr extended the freeze on military activities by the Mahdi Army. The Prime Minister’s Office, the multinational force in Iraq and UNAMI publicly welcomed the announcement as a boost to security and national unity in Iraq. However, on 24 March the Government announced an operation to pursue criminal elements in Basra. This led to six days of intense fighting between the Government and armed groups, including the elements of the Mahdi Army, in many parts of the country until agreement was reached to stop the violence, by which time, according to several sources, over 700 people had been killed. The security situation in Basra and Baghdad had eased since this agreement. Military and police are continuing operations to seize militia assets in both cities and the resistance from militias has been minimal and short-lived."

Document(s): Open document

22.04.2008 - Source: UN Security Council

Despite improvement in security in Baghdad and other locations, in late 2007, ongoing violence in other parts of Iraq, such as Mosul and Diyala ("Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1770 (2007) [S/2008/266]") [ID 24151]

"Despite improvements in the general security situation, towards the end of 2007 suicide bombings, car bombs and other attacks continued with devastating consequences for civilians. The reduction in security incidents in Baghdad and other locations was also accompanied by a deterioration of the security situation elsewhere, including Mosul and Diyala. Religious and ethnic minorities and other vulnerable groups were victims of violent attacks, as were women in so-called “honour crimes”. Armed groups also carried out assassinations of government or state officials, religious figures, professional groups and law enforcement personnel. There were also numerous incidents involving intimidation, abduction, torture and< extrajudicial killings."

Document(s): Open document

22.04.2008 - Source: UN Security Council

Limited political progress undermines security improvements; thus, slow increase in in violence in early 2008 ("Report of the Secretary-General pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1770 (2007) [S/2008/266]") [ID 24152]

"Following a period of improvements in security, the first quarter of 2008 witnessed a slow but steady increase in violent incidents from January to March. This was not a result of any one specific event, but rather due to the faltering of some key elements underlying security gains in late 2007 against a background of limited political progress. These trends are not irreversible but it will require significant political effort to press forward, given that military efforts alone have not achieved the desired results."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Heavy bombings in mostly Shi'a districts ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23624]

"Insurgent and terrorist bombings, executions, and killings were a regular occurrence throughout all regions and sectors of society. On April 18, five separate bombings in mostly Shi'a districts of Baghdad killed 198 Iraqis. The worst of the bombings killed 140 individuals in the crowded Sadriya market, which was also the target of a February 3 bomb that killed 135 persons."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Despite the 'Surge', large scale attacks and sectarian killings have not ceased (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24269]

"The increased US military presence has helped prevent large-scale attacks and reduce the sectarian killings that had become a common occurrence in Baghdad and other areas of Central Iraq. These incidents have, however, by no means ceased. There continue to be regular car bombs, suicide attacks, small arms fire and mortar attacks, targeting the MNF-I/ISF and the civilian population. The most recent incidents in Baghdad and other areas of Central Iraq show that the situation remains highly fragile with armed groups still capable of operating and causing civilian casualties. For example, on 1 December 2007, dozens of suspected AQI fighters raided the Shi’ite village of Duwailiya in the Governorate of Diyala, killing at least 14 people, including women and children, and destroying ten houses.15 On 23 November 2007, a bomb exploded at Al-Ghazl pet market in central Baghdad, killing at least 13 people and injuring 60 others.16 One day earlier, on 22 November 2007, ten mortar bombs landed inside Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the US and British embassies, the Iraqi parliament and many government ministries. The same day, suspected AQI fighters launched a surprise attack on the ISF and armed tribal members in the Hur Rijab area in southern Baghdad, using rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons. The attack sparked a fierce battle, reportedly leaving at least two dozen people dead."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Changes in security in Southern Iraq due to 'the Surge' (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24354]

"The withdrawal of UK troops from Southern Iraq, however, has also resulted in a marked increase in sectarian and intra-sectarian violence in the region, especially with the relocation of the Mehdi Army to Southern Iraq due to the US troop surge in Central Iraq. Increasingly, the Southern Governorates have become the battlefield of rival Shi’ite militias over political power and religious legitimacy, oil resources, smuggling routes and territory. The two major actors are the Mehdi Army, loyal to radical Shi’ite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, and the Badr Organization, which is linked to the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC), the dominant party in the ruling coalition (UIA) of Prime Minister Al-Maliki. The latter is largely in control of the security forces in several Southern Governorates. According to USDoD, the local security forces are more interested in containing the influence of the Mehdi Army than in law enforcement."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Violence in Baghdad despite increase in security situation (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24355]

"The Baghdad Security Plan, the Mehdi Army’s temporarily laying down of arms and advanced stages of sectarian segregation have resulted in decreasing levels of violence in Baghdad. Some signs of normalcy have returned to parts of the city with more shops open and people in the streets and markets. Despite these positive trends, however, Baghdad remains the most violent area in Iraq. Sectarian killings continue to be prevalent in mixed areas, mostly in Baghdad’s western districts, with several bodies found shot dead on a regular basis, often with signs of torture. Given that non-state actors remain operational and given that they demonstrated their ability to fill security vacuums left after the relocation of US troops, the potential for renewed sectarian violence remains."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Security situation in Al-Anbar governorate (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24356]

"Al-Anbar Governorate used to be one of the most violent Governorates in the country and the stronghold of AQI. MNF-I/ISF security operations, as well as changed tribal alliances, have led to a significant reduction in violence in the region, with many AQI fighters fleeing Al-Anbar’s urban areas.

The Governorate’s major towns, Ramadi and Fallujah, however, remain under extraordinary security measures with neighborhoods segregated by concrete walls, numerous checkpoints and residents required to hold special biometric identification badges. There are concerns, though, that the ISF is too weak to establish full control and implement law and order."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Security situation in Diyala and Salah Al-Din governorates; clashes between MNF, Iraqi forces and insurgent groups (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24357]

"Therefore, despite relative improvements in security in parts of Diyala and Salah Al-Din Governorates due to intense security operations by MNF-I/ISF and tribal and insurgent groups, the situation remains fragile and unstable. The Governorates are the scene of regular clashes between the MNF-I/ISF and tribal and rival insurgent factions, who are fighting AQI and its allies. There are daily attacks on the MNF-I/ISF and those supporting them, including government officials, politicians, tribal members, contractors and translators. There are also regular attacks on civilians. Sectarian killings continue to occur in mixed areas, with bodies found tortured, shot and dumped. Doctors, journalists and other professionals, as well as members of the former Ba’ath Party/security services, continue to be targeted. MNF-I/ISF security operations against AQI have at times resulted in civilian casualties, as well as casualties among its tribal and insurgent supporters."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Security situation in Basrah governorate (centre of factional fighting) (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24359]

"Basrah, Iraq’s second-largest city and where most of the country’s immense oil wealth and its only ports are located, is at the centre of the factional fighting. In addition to the Mehdi Army and SIIC / Badr Organization, the Islamic Fadhila Party and Thar Allah are also major actors. Militias have infiltrated the local security forces and control hospitals, the university, ports, oil facilities and power supply. These militias provide social services and impose law through extra-judicial courts. Basrah’s Deputy Governor, Loai Al-Batat, said in late October 2007 that the local security forces were unable to fully control the city.

In addition to intra-Shi’ite fighting, the Governorate suffers from frequent kidnappings and assassinations by armed militias, militia-infiltrated ISF and criminals, of security officials, government officials, political, tribal and religious figures, persons affiliated with the MNF-I, former Ba’athists, members of religious minorities, journalists, human rights activists and humanitarian workers, and other professionals. According to Basrah’s police chief, Major-General Abdul-Jalil Khalaf, women in Basrah are threatened, beaten and sometimes shot, if they are believed not to adhere to strictly-interpreted Islamic rules. The same applies to men whose clothes or even haircuts are deemed too “Western”. Reportedly, measures of social control have grown more intense since the withdrawal of UK forces from Basrah City. Women interviewed by the BBC recently said that “they no longer dared venture on to Basra’s streets without strict Islamic attire.” According to Khalaf, though admitting that the actual number might be much higher, “at least 10 women [are] killed monthly, some of them are later found in garbage dumps with bullet holes while others are found decapitated or mutilated.” Police were often afraid to conduct proper investigations into the killings.

Given the infiltration of the security forces by militia members, dealing with the armed militias will remain a major challenge. The local population is largely confined to homes, fearing violent battles and imposition of strict Islamic rules by militias. Many see no other option but to seek protection from one of the dominant actors."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Security situation in Diwaniyah, Missan, Wassit, Muthanna and Thi-Quar governorates (these governorates saw intense fighting between Mahdi Army and ISF (attacks against persons affiliated with ISF, as well as journalists and civilians) (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24360]

"These Governorates have seen several episodes of pitched battles between the Mehdi Army and Badr / Badr-affiliated ISF, and the assassination of SIIC members. In August 2007, the governors of Muthanna and Diwaniyah Governorates, both SIIC/Badr members, were killed in roadside bombings, allegedly by Mehdi Army members. Al-Sadr denies any Mehdi Army involvement.

The MNF-I regularly clash with Mehdi Army members and, recently, a group calling itself Kataib Al-Hussein, or Hussein battalions. US, Polish and Iraqi troops have been engaged in fierce fighting with militia over control of the city of Diwaniyah. According to Sheikh Hussein Al-Bederi, chairman of the Diwaniyah Governorate Council, 50% of the Governorate’s area is outside the state’s control.

There have been targeted assassinations of religious and tribal leaders, security officials and persons affiliated with the MNF-I, journalists, other professionals and members of minority groups in these Governorates. Former Ba’athists also have reportedly been killed. In Wassit Governorate, what appear to be sectarian killings have also occurred. UNHCR has received information that measures of “social control” have increased. In particular, the situation of women has deteriorated in these Governorates in recent months. It was reported that in Missan Governorate militia killed a woman and her two daughters, whom they had accused of engaging in prostitution. They dragged their dead bodies into the main street of Amara and mutilated them."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Security situation in Kerbala and Najef governorates (clashes between rival militias and ISF; suicide attacks; assassination of political and religious figures) (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24361]

"The so-called mid-Euphrates provinces, Kerbala and Najef, which are home to Shi’ite Islam’s holiest sites and leading centres of Islamic theology, have seen regular security incidents since 2003, including (suicide) attacks against mostly Shi’ite civilians, MNF-I and ISF and those working for them. There have been targeted assassinations, including of religious and political figures, Government officials, other professionals and former Ba’athists, and armed clashes among rival Shi’ite militias and security forces. A major clash, which reportedly involved gunmen loyal to Al-Sadr and Badr-dominated security forces, occurred on 28 August 2007 during a religious festival in Kerbala. More than 50 persons were killed and 300 more wounded when gunfire, mortar shells and grenades exploded amid the worshipers. Militia also attacked numerous SIIC offices in the south-central area and in Baghdad over the following days. Despite a pledged truce between SIIC and Al-Sadr, renewed clashes broke out in Kerbala in late October 2007, leading to a number of civilian casualties. The situation reportedly remains tense."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Security situation in Babel governorate (base of al-Qaeda operations in Southern Iraq; suicide attacks in spring 2007; extensive sectarian killings since 2005) (" Addendum to UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-Seekers") [ID 24362]

"The Governorate of Babel has a mixed Sunni-Shi’ite population and has seen extensive sectarian killings and insurgent activities in 2005, 2006 and 2007, in particular in the so-called “Triangle of Death” south of Baghdad, which contains the towns of Yusufiyah, Mahmoudiyah, Iskandariyah, Musayyib and Latifiyah. Reportedly, AQI and other Sunni insurgent groups have established bases of operations in this area to attack Baghdad and launch attacks on the Shi’ite areas further south.

Over the past year, the Governorate has been the scene of some of the most devastating bombings since 2003, including a twin suicide bombing in a local market in Hilla on 1 February 2007, killing at least 60 and wounding 150, and the killing of at least 90 Shi’ite pilgrims in a double suicide bombing in the capital Hilla on 6 March 2007."

Document(s): Open document

22.08.2007 - Source: Center for Strategic and International Studies

Report on current situation in Iraq (failures in conciliation, developments in counterinsurgency campaign, changes in Sunni insurgency, regional developments, role of Iraqi security forces and outside states) ("Iraq’s Insurgency and Civil Violence: Developments through Late August 2007") [ID 21749]

Document(s): Open document

07.08.2007 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Najaf/Karbala: Main Shia towns are shaken by different fractions struggling for power: Mahdi Army, Badr militia, followers of Ayatollah Ali Sistani and several self-declared leaders all compete for influence ("Unholy War in Karbala") [ID 21577]

Document(s): Open document

01.08.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

According to figures compiled from 3 Iraqi ministries at least 1,652 civilians were killed in Iraq in July, one third more than in the previous month ("Civilian deaths in Iraq up one-third in a month"), Author: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 21573]

Document(s): Open document

08.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Areas affected by ongoing violence ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Iraqi Asylum-seekers") [ID 22816]

"Particularly affected by the ongoing violence and sectarian cleansing are areas with (formerly) mixed populations such as the cities of Baghdad, Mosul and Basrah, the Governorates of Salah Al-Din and Diyala (in particular Samarra, Tikrit, Balad, Dujail and Baqouba and Miqdadiyah) as well as Yusufiyah, Latifiyah and Mahmoudiyah in the socalled “Triangle of Death” south of Baghdad in the Governorate of Babel. Sectarian violence has also engulfed Kirkuk."

Document(s): Open document

28.06.2007 - Source: Guardian

Basra: 3 British soldiers killed by roadside bomb while on patrol ("Basra bomb kills three British soldiers") [ID 20488]

"Three British soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in the southern Iraqi city of Basra today. Elsewhere today, 20 decapitated bodies were found on the banks of the river Tigris just outside Baghad, while 25 people were killed by a car bomb inside the capital."

Document(s): Open document

27.06.2007 - Source: Guardian

Baghdad: Pro-US Sunni leaders killed in suicide bomb attack on hotel lobby ("12 die as bomber targets Sunnis") [ID 20491]

"A suicide bomber blew himself up yesterday in the lobby of a Baghdad hotel, where Sunni leaders opposed to al-Qaida in Iraq were gathered for talks with government officials. Police said at least 12 people were killed - including six sheikhs - and 21 injured, as the bomber walked into the crowded reception area of the Mansour Melia hotel and detonated explosives wrapped around his waist. The attack was among a series of bombings that killed more than 40 people across Iraq, ending a few days of relative calm. In the northern oil city of Baiji, 18 people were killed and another 40 wounded when a suicide bomber slammed a fuel tanker into a police station. In Mosul, a parked car bomb killed three civilians and wounded 40. Eight people died when a suicide car bomber attacked the governor's office in the Shia city of Hilla, south of the capital."

Document(s): Open document

21.06.2007 - Source: BBC News

Insurgents kill 14 US soldiers in 2 days; 15 people dead and 40 others injured in a suicide truck bomb attack in Northern Iraq ("Iraq attacks kill 14 US soldiers") [ID 20602]

"Insurgents in Iraq have killed 14 US soldiers in just two days, the US military has announced. Twelve died in four attacks in Baghdad, officials said, where a four-month-old military "surge" has now reached its peak with some 160,000 troops deployed. The US has also said it killed dozens of insurgents on the first two days of a major operation north of Baghdad.

Elsewhere at least 15 people died and 40 others were hurt in a suicide truck bomb attack in northern Iraq. The attack in Suleiman Beg, 90km (55 miles) south of Kirkuk, destroyed part of a local council office and several nearby homes. The casualties included several women and children, hospital officials said."

Document(s): Open document

19.06.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Fallujah: A month-long security crackdown is preventing aid workers from getting to displaced families while a curfew imposed by US forces is restricting residents' ability to go out and buy much-needed supplies ("Fallujah security crackdown preventing access for aid workers") [ID 20610]

Document(s): Open document

18.06.2007 - Source: BBC News

Southern Iraq: Up to 20 people killed in clashes between coalition forces and Shia militia ("Iraq town clashes leave 20 dead") [ID 20614]

"As many as 20 people have been killed in clashes between coalition forces and Shia militia in southern Iraq, military leaders say. Fierce fighting took place in Amara, Maysan province, during the operation, which also targeted Majar al-Kabir."

Document(s): Open document

14.06.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Iraqi authorities have imposed a curfew in Baghdad and Samarra following a bomb attack in June that destroyed the two minarets of Samarra's al-Askari (Golden) Mosque ("Security Tight In Baghdad, Samarra After Mosque Attack") [ID 20617]

Document(s): Open document

14.06.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Sectarian violence and displacement after Samarra bomb attack ("Sectarian violence and displacement follow Samarra attack") [ID 20618]

"Since 13 June, Mahdi army militants have been targeting Sunni mosques and families. At least six Sunni mosques have been burned in the capital and many civilians killed, said some observers. [...] Since 13 June, the Iraqi police have released many reports about bodies found handcuffed, blindfolded and riddled with bullets in various locations, many with signs of torture."

Document(s): Open document

08.06.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

More than 80 people have been killed in Iraq in a series of insurgent attacks, bombings and sectarian violence ("More than 80 killed in Iraq violence"), Author: Voice of America (VOA) [ID 20676]

"More than 80 people have been killed in Iraq in a series of insurgent attacks, bombings and sectarian violence. Iraqi police say some 100 gunmen stormed a police chief's home near the city of Baquba late Thursday, killing 14 people and kidnapping three of the chief's children. Meanwhile, near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, a bomb attack on a Shi'ite mosque has killed at least 18 people."

Document(s): Open document

04.06.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Almost 2,000 civilians killed in May ("Civilian death toll in Iraq spikes in May"), Author: Reuters Foundation [ID 20681]

"The number of civilians killed in Iraq jumped to nearly 2,000 in May, the highest monthly toll since the start of a U.S.-backed security crackdown in February, according to figures released on Saturday. [...] An Interior Ministry official, who did not want to be named because he was not authorised to release the figures, said 1,944 civilians were killed in May, a 29 percent hike over April. At least 174 soldiers and policemen were killed in the same period.

The death toll was based on statistics compiled by Iraq's ministries of interior, defence and health on the number of people killed and wounded in attacks in Iraq. After three months of declines, there has been a sharp rise in the number of sectarian murders in Baghdad. Mortar attacks in the capital are becoming deadlier and car bombs remain common.

Police, who reported fewer than 10 sectarian murders a day in the first weeks of the security crackdown, are now typically reporting 30 or more. U.S. military commanders says this is a spike, not a trend, and the full impact of the crackdown will not be known for months."

Document(s): Open document

01.06.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Nearly 2,000 civilians died in May 2007 ("Iraqi civilian deaths up nearly a third in May"), Author: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 20726]

"Nearly 2,000 Iraqi civilians died in May, almost a third more than the previous month, government ministries reported, showing that after a brief improvement the country's conflicts are worsening. The figures, compiled from the defence, interior and health ministries and passed to AFP, report that 1,951 civilians died in May -- 30 percent more than in April and close to March's toll."

Document(s): Open document

28.01.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Gunmen reportedly killed the director-general of Industry Ministry Adal Abd al-Mehsun al-Lami and his daughter ("Iraqi Trade Ministry Official, Five Girls Killed In Baghdad") [ID 19547]

Document(s): Open document

24.01.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Salah ad-Din province: Home of deceased former president Saddam Hussein has been rocked by anti-US insurgency, assassinations and sectarian violence ever since US-led forces invaded the country in 2003 ("Violence prevails in Saddam’s home province") [ID 19554]

"The violence in Salah ad-Din has caused the displacement of thousands of residents. Throughout the province there are about 2,850 displaced families – or some 12,000 individuals - living in abandoned government buildings, parks, mosques or staying with relatives, according to Thawra Baker Abid, director of the Iraqi Red Crescent branch in Tikrit."

Document(s): Open document

21.01.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Military and civilian deaths in Iraq ("Factbox - Military and civilian deaths in Iraq, 21 Jan 2007"), Author: Reuters [ID 19563]

"Following are the latest figures for military deaths in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003:
U.S.-LED COALITION FORCES:
United States 3,054
Britain 130
Other nations 123
IRAQIS:
Military Between 4,900 and 6,375
Civilians Between 54,213 and 59,873"

Document(s): Open document

18.01.2007 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Baghdad: More people have been killed in Baghdad than in any other province since 2003; sectarian violence, insurgency and general lawlessness have displaced hundreds of thousands of people and left few aid agencies on the ground to help ("Baghdad most violent province in Iraq") [ID 19816]

"Since the bombing of a Shi’ite mosque in the northern city of Samarra on 22 February 2006, the capital and its neighbouring cities - such as al-Mahmoudiyah, Salman Pak and Abou Ghraib - have witnessed a daily increase in sectarian violence, including kidnappings and bombings. As seat of government and home to a mixture of ethnic groups, sects and religions, Baghdad is constantly under fire. This is where Sunni insurgents and Shi’ite militias are largely pitted against each other, with the central government unable to maintain peace or prevent the displacement of people according to their sectarian affiliations. [...] Aid agencies greatly reduced their assistance to the capital and its surrounding cities after the Iraqi Red Crescent closed its 40 subsidiary offices in Baghdad city and suspended its work following the kidnapping last month of its workers and volunteers. The Iraqi Red Crescent is the only remaining aid agency that operates throughout Iraq."

Document(s): Open document

17.01.2007 - Source: Guardian

60 people killed in bomb attacks near university; UN reports 35,000 civilians were killed in 2006 ("Many killed in Baghdad blasts") [ID 18637]

Document(s): Open document

17.01.2007 - Source: Guardian

UN said that the civilian death toll in 2005 was 34,452 and much higher than previous estimates ("UN clashes with Iraq on civilian death toll") [ID 18639]

Document(s): Open document

16.01.2007 - Source: BBC News

UN says more than 34,000 civilians were killed in Iraq in 2006, nearly 3 times as many as government estimates ("UN marks soaring Iraq death toll") [ID 18643]

Document(s): Open document

09.01.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Leader of an Al-Qaeda-backed Islamist body in Iraq has urged followers to resist a proposed government security operation in Baghdad ("Iraqi Islamist Group Urges Resistance To Government") [ID 19138]

Document(s): Open document

07.01.2007 - Source: BBC News

Baghdad: Iraqi troops reportedly kill 30 militants and arrest others as new security drive begins ("Battle 'marks new Iraq campaign'") [ID 19140]

Document(s): Open document

02.01.2007 - Source: BBC News

Civilian deaths hit record high; US to announce new strategy for country ("New high in Iraqi civilian deaths") [ID 19215]

"The interior ministry says 1,930 Iraqis died last month, three-and-a-half times the number killed in January 2006. Other sources have issued significantly higher figures for civilian deaths in September and October 2006. The figures were announced as the BBC learned President George W Bush will reveal a fresh US strategy for Iraq within days. He is expected to send more troops to the country in the hope of quelling the mounting violence. The Iraqi interior ministry statistics suggest more than 12,000 civilians were killed in violence during 2006. Half of them died in the last four months of the year."

Document(s): Open document

02.01.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Table of Iraq civilian deaths, month-by-month ("Table - Iraq civilian deaths, month-by-month"), Author: Reuters Foundation [ID 19216]

Document(s): Open document

27.12.2006 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Number of suicides reportedly increases due to psychological stress caused by relentless violence ("Stress of violence leads to more suicides") [ID 18077]

Document(s): Open document

20.12.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Report on the National Reconciliation Conference held on 16-17 December, an attempt to find a political solution to end the rampant lawlessness and spiralling violence ("Iraq: Reconciliation Conference Fails To Deliver") [ID 18089]

Document(s): Open document

19.12.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Report released on 18 December by the U.S. Department of Defence painted a bleak picture of the security situation, saying that attacks on US and Iraqi targets have surged since August, and that Shiite militants are now the most significant threat in Baghdad and responsible for more civilian deaths and injuries than terrorist organisations such as Al-Qaeda ("U.S. Says Attacks In Iraq At Record High") [ID 18078]

Document(s): Open document

19.12.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

According to report by the International Crisis Group, country faces "complete disintegration into failed state chaos" ("Think Tank Warns Iraq Faces 'Disintegration'") [ID 18090]

Document(s): Open document

18.12.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Syria and Iraq sign security cooperation agreement ("Syria and Iraq sign security cooperation agreement"), Author: DPA [ID 18055]

Document(s): Open document

17.12.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Military and civilian deaths (17 December 2006) ("Factbox - Military and civilian deaths in Iraq, 17 Dec 2006"), Author: Reuters [ID 18056]

Document(s): Open document

13.12.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Baghdad: Neighborhoods of Al-Amal and Hurriyah that straddle the famously dangerous airport road turn into the front lines of the deepening civil war ("Iraq battle lines fracture mixed neighborhoods"), Author: Christian Science Monitor [ID 18057]

Document(s): Open document

12.12.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Death threats, and increasingly murder, are common against anyone seen to be cooperating with the United States ("In Fallujah, Marines bring goodwill, but trouble can follow"), Author: Christian Science Monitor [ID 18058]

Document(s): Open document

08.12.2006 - Source: ReliefWeb

Military action in an urban area: the humanitarian consequences of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah ("Military action in an urban area: The humanitarian consequences of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq"), Author: ODI - Humanitarian Practice Network (ODI-HPN) [ID 18040]

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

According to Shiite politician, only way to avert civil war is for U.S.-led forces to strike harder against Sunni-led insurgents ("Iraqi Shi'ite Leader Calls For Strikes On Sunni Insurgents") [ID 18079]

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2006 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

The years-old peaceful coexistence between members of different religions and sects in Baghdad is threatened with a battle underway between the two major Muslim sects to have their own territory in the city ("Sectarian violence tears Baghdad into two parts") [ID 18080]

Document(s): Open document

04.12.2006 - Source: Guardian

Outgoing UN general secretary Kofi Annan says Iraq is now more dangerous than under Saddam, and the violence worse than civil war ("Annan: Iraq was safer under Saddam") [ID 18081]

Document(s): Open document