BAGHDAD: A wave of attacks targeting both Iraqi security forces and civilians killed 48 people yesterday, in a second day of deadly violence ahead of the first anniversary of the withdrawal of US forces. Yesterday was the deadliest day in Iraq since November 29, when 50 people were killed. The latest violence comes after attacks killed 19 people and wounded 77 on Sunday.
US military forces completed their withdrawal from Iraq on December 18, 2011, ending a nearly nine-year war that cost the lives of tens of thousands of Iraqis, thousands of Americans and hundreds of billions of dollars.
Violence in Iraq is down significantly from its peak in 2006 and 2007, but while Iraqi forces have held their own since the US departure, insurgent groups still pose a significant threat, and attacks occur almost daily.
OIC appoints envoy
to Rohingya Muslims
Jeddah: The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has appointed the head of the Indonesian Red Cross and former Indonesian President Yusuf Kalla envoy to Myanmar to follow up the issue of the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Ex-Lebanese minister on US terror list
WASHINGTON: The United States yesterday named Lebanese ex-information minister Michel Samaha to its global terror list for allegedly aiding Damascus launch assassinations in Lebanon.
Samaha, 64, was arrested in August by Lebanese authorities and accused of plotting to assassinate Lebanese leaders and of transporting explosives into Lebanon for such attacks, the US Treasury said in a statement.
Agencies
