By Vivek Thiagarajan
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Middle East

BAGHDAD, Iraq- On Wednesday three bombs went off simultaneously killing 25 people and wounding 135 others.  Although  initial reports that were released had stated that 45 people were killed, the death count was lowered.

Prime Minister Al Maliki remarked that the bombings were “desperate attempt” to take away from the success that has been ongoing by the Iraqi security forces.  (Gulf Daily News)

Although no group has yet claimed the attack, car bombs are weapon of choice for Al-Qaida and Sunni extremists.  These groups have been forced out of Baghdad and so should not pose a substantial threat to southern Iraq’s stability.

In contrast, there are rumors that the local Shiite militias are linked to Iran.  If they are backed by Iran and are seeking to assert their influence on the region it could be a threat to the Iraqi Security forces.  Especially since British troops have planned on pulling troops from the region by the end of the year.

However, the bombing should not affect the transfer.  An Iraqi official stated that “(The bombing) has nothing to do with Basra.  The handover will go on ahead on December 16.  The quality of the forces in Basra is excellent.”  (Gulf Times)

A bombing also occurred in the Kurdish dominated Town of Khanaquin killing four and injuring twelve.  Three police were among those who were injured.

Also Wednesday, a mass grave containing 16 bodies was unearthed.  All 16 corpses were men.  Twelve of the men were decapitated and the other four were mutilated.  Al-Qaida is reported to have killed and mutilated the men.

For more information, please see:

CNN- Troops discover mass grave in Iraq- 13 December 2007

AP- Iraqi City Mourns After Deadly Bombing- 13 December 2007

Gulf Daily News- Market blasts kill 40 in Iraq- 13 December 2007

Washington Post- Triple Car Bombing Kills 46 in S. Iraq- 13 December 2007

Los Angeles Times- As one Iraqi city reels, others are hit- 13 December 2007