BAGHDAD: Violence across Iraq, including shelling and clashes in a militant-held city on Baghdad’s doorstep, killed 37 people yesterday amid a protracted surge in bloodletting with polls looming next month.
The bloodletting also wounded dozens more as the authorities struggle with the country’s worst unrest since 2008, when it was just emerging from a brutal Sunni-Shia sectarian war that killed tens of thousands and displaced countless others.
The violence, in which more than 2,000 people have died already this year, has been primarily driven by discontent in the minority Sunni Arab community, that alleges mistreatment at the hands of the Shia-led government and security forces, and by the civil war raging in neighbouring Syria.
In yesterday’s deadliest incidents, shelling by government forces in Fallujah and clashes in and around the city killed 15 people and wounded 40, according to Ahmed Shami, the chief medic at the city’s main hospital.
The violence erupted just after midnight and continued through to the morning in northern, eastern and southern neighbourhoods of the city. It was unclear how many casualties resulted from the shelling, and how many from the clashes.
Security forces have periodically shelled neighbourhoods of Fallujah in recent months, arguing that they are targeting anti-government fighters holding the city.
Tribal leaders in the city confirmed the doctor’s account.
“After midnight, shelling first targeted several areas... and clashes also happened,” said Mohammed Saleh, a leader of the Bijari tribe.
Mahmud Al Zobaie, a leader of the Zoba tribe, added: “There are many people killed and wounded, and many homes have been damaged because of the shelling.”
AFP
