Sunni insurgents news stories on Newser

Iraq's 'King of Clubs' Appears Online

Mark Russell — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 07:58:25 CDT

He was the king of clubs. Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, the highest-ranking member of Saddam Hussein's government still at large, appears to have turned up in an online video posted yesterday, railing against Iraq's government, reports the AP . In the hour-long video, which appears on a website linked to the Baath...

Another Iraqi Blast Kills Dozens

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:25:00 CST

A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-packed car near a funeral procession in southeastern Baghdad today, killing at least 28 people in the latest brazen attack since the US troop withdrawal. Police officials said the blast occurred at 11am in the predominantly Shiite neighborhood of Zafaraniyah, where mourners had gathered for...

With US Gone, Iraq Explodes

Kevin Spak — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:15:34 CST

Iraq has experienced a surge in violence since US troops left the country last month, with 327 people dying in explosions or assassinations by the Iraqi Ministry's official count. Bombings have hit Baghdad neighborhoods , Shiite pilgrims , and Sunni police, among other targets. "They are not arbitrary attacks. They are sending...

Wave of Bombings Targets Iraq's Shiites, Killing 72

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:00:19 CST

A wave of bombings targeting Shiites in Iraq killed 72 people today, deepening sectarian tensions that exploded just after the last American troops left the country in mid-December. The bombings began early in the morning when explosions struck two Shiite neighborhoods in Baghdad, killing at least 27 people. A few...

Iraq Fighters Ditch US, Rejoin al-Qaeda

Emily Rauhala — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 06:28:01 CDT

A wave of Sunni fighters whose alliance with the United States has been critical in turning the insurgent tide in Iraq have rejoined al-Qaeda, or are acting as double agents, finds the New York Times . Though the number of defections is unclear, several hundred members of the Awakening Councils have...

Coordinated Iraq Attacks Kill 84 in Year's Deadliest Day

Jane Yager — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:41:49 CDT

The death toll is climbing in Iraq following this morning's coordinated gun-and-bomb attacks, with the AP putting the number at 84, making it the deadliest day this year. A police spokesman said a suicide bomber detonated himself outside a textile factory south of Baghdad where a crowd was trying to...

Al-Qaeda Claims Baghdad Bombing

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:09:41 CDT

Al-Qaeda's umbrella group in Iraq claimed responsibility for this weekend's twin suicide bombings in the heart of Baghdad that killed at least 155 people, including 24 children trapped in a bus leaving a day care center. The group, known as the Islamic State of Iraq, said in a statement posted...

60 Killed in Baghdad Double Bombing

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:53:38 CDT

Back-to-back suicide bombings killed 60 and injured at least 125 today outside the most important Shiite shrine in Baghdad, the AP reports. The bombers detonated explosive belts within minutes of each other near the tomb of a prominent Shiite saint, shortly before the start of Friday prayers, as worshipers streamed...

US Gives Iraq Control of Sunni Guards

Wesley Oliver — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:23:19 CDT

Baghdad took control today of 90% of the former insurgents employed by the US military to combat al-Qaeda, Reuters reports. Turnover of the roughly 84,000 “Awakening Council" Sunnis, who were paid about $300 a month to patrol neighborhoods, will test Iraqi reconciliation as the US prepares to withdraw combat...