January 07, 2008

Sunni Leader Killed In Blast Targeting Councils

Iraq suffered three separate suicide bombings today, one of which killed a Sunni leader in northern Baghdad. Riyadh al-Samaraie was the "well-respected" head of a local council and played a key role in efforts to reduce violence in his neighborhood, CNN reports.

The double bombing took place inside a compound of an organization managing Sunni mosques and shrines, the Sunni Endowment, which is backed by the U.S. After one bomb exploded at the entrance and people rushed to help the victims of that attack, a second suicide bomber struck with a car bomb nearby.

At least 14 others -- including more members of the "awakening councils" supported by the U.S. -- were killed in the blasts. ABC reports that the councils are credited with stemming violence in Iraq but are increasingly becoming targets for al-Qaida.

Posted at 9:04 AM
Posted to: Iraq, Middle East
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