Deadliest Insurgent Assault in Iraq Since May Installs Fragmented Government

Strategic Insights -

A devastating suicide car bomb attack in Sadr City, Baghdad, killed at least 62 people and wounded nearly 120 on Saturday, posing the most direct challenge yet to the fledgling Iraqi government. The car bomb exploded as a Sunni Arab member of Parliament and eight of her bodyguards were abducted by militiamen while driving into the city. The attack, coupled with the kidnapping, has drawn a tense standoff between the government and the American military, as concerns over security and sectarian violence escalate. Meanwhile, an ongoing investigation into American soldiers accused of raping an Iraqi woman and killing her and her family in Mahmudiya has raised questions about the actions of coalition forces.

Key Takeaways:

  • The suicide bomb attack in Sadr City was the deadliest insurgent assault since the new Shiite-led government was installed in May.
  • The attack occurred as a Sunni Arab member of Parliament, Tayseer Najah al-Mashhadani, and eight of her guards were kidnapped while driving into Baghdad from her home north of the capital.
  • The American military has been accused of rape and murder after four soldiers were implicated in the death of an Iraqi woman and her family in Mahmudiya.
  • Initial reports suggest the soldiers had noticed the woman on earlier patrols and that one of the victims was a girl.
  • The soldiers burned down the house before leaving, according to an Iraqi man who lived near the family.
  • The attack is likely to provoke more sectarian bloodshed, as Sadr City is the home base of the Mahdi Army militia.
  • A Sadr official blamed the American occupiers for the explosion, stating that as long as they stay, terrorist activities will increase.
  • The new prime minister, Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, arrived in Jidda, Saudi Arabia, for a tour of three Arab countries to promote his reconciliation plan.

Statistics:

  • The car bomb attack killed at least 62 people and wounded nearly 120 in Sadr City, Baghdad.
  • The attack was the deadliest in Iraq since early April, when three bombers blew themselves up in a prominent Shiite mosque, killing scores of worshipers.
  • The American military has deployed tens of thousands of police officers and troops into the streets in recent weeks to try to secure the capital.
  • Since taking charge in May, Prime Minister al-Maliki's government has grappled with rising sectarian violence, electricity, and water shortages during 120-degree days.

Sources:

  • Reuters: "New Bin Laden Tape Is Released," Dubai, July 1.
  • Associated Press: "Bomb Attack Kills Dozens in Baghdad," Baghdad, June 30.
  • The New York Times: "Suicide Bombing Kills Dozens in Baghdad," Baghdad, June 30.