Monday: 1 GI, 71 Iraqis Killed; 204 Wounded

[Purveyor]

At least 71 Iraqis were killed or found dead and 204 were wounded during the latest attacks. Scores were killed or wounded during two major battles between militia and security forces in southern Iraq. Meanwhile, Sunni families are being forced to flee Baghdad under threat of death. Also, a MND-B soldier was killed when his patrol encountered an IED in southern Baghdad.

In Baghdad, panic is setting in as a deadline set by militants draws near. Sunni families in Shi’ite neighborhoods have been ordered to leave by today or face death. According to a spokesman for the Iraqi Aid Association, dozens have already been killed in their homes. Others are killed or kidnapped as they flee town, and conditions at displacement camps on the outskirts of Baghdad are no better. Meanwhile, Sunni militants have also gone on killing sprees, but no definite number of casualties has been released.

In specific developments in the capital, two bombs at a Saidiya area petrol station killed nine and wounded 25 more. A family of five were killed yesterday as they tried to evacuate from the Shu’ala neighborhood. Also, a Chaldean Catholic priest, who was kidnapped on June 6, was released unharmed by his captors.

Iraqi and British forces, conducting house-to-house searches in Maysan province, were attacked by Shi’ite militiamen; 36 Iraqis were killed and more than 100 were wounded during the clash. Women and children were among the casualties.

In Nasariya, clashes between Mahdi army troops and policemen left four dead and 54 wounded.

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http://www.antiwar.com/updates/?articleid=11154

[babylonsister]

1. NBC Nightly just said 3 GIs died today.

:(

[Purveyor]

2. These number are nearly impossible to pin down. I often wonder what the 'real numbers' are... eom

[babylonsister]

3. You're right, and they're constantly changing. nt