June 22, 2012
Friday: 22 Iraqis, 1 Iranian Killed; 161 Iraqis, 9 Iranians Wounded
A significant double bombing at a pet market hearkened back to the height of
sectarian violence. Overall, at least 22 Iraqis were killed and 161 more
were wounded across the country. Also, one Iranian pilgrim was killed
and nine more were wounded in attacks in Samarra.
In Baghdad, a double bombing at a pet market in Husseiniya
left at least 14
dead and as many as 150
injured. The primary bomb lured in first responders to another blast that
was set to explode three minutes later. Prayer day attacks on markets were
common during the height of sectarian violence and have recently seen a surge
in use. Iraqi shoppers enjoy visiting pet markets after communal prayers at
mosques, making them easy targets for bombers. Also in the capital, gunmen killed
three policemen at a checkpoint in the Bayaa district.
In Samarra, one
Iranian pilgrim was killed and 10 others were wounded, seven of them also
Iranian, in a suicide
bombing. Two
Iranian pilgrims were wounded in a separate mortar attack. Samarra is home
to the al-Askari shrine, which is one of the holiest sites in the country.
Also, a bombing at a Sunni Endowment official’s home wounded
a bystander, while gunmen killed
a restaurateur elsewhere. Another bomb wounded
three more people.
The body
of a beheaded four-year-old girl was discovered in Ishaqi. A ransom
had been asked for her safe return.
In Mosul, gunmen killed a
policeman. An I.E.D. wounded
four people.
A former
army officer was assassinated in Qayara.
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