Summary
The number of attacks taking place in Iraq actually fell last week. Nonetheless, the associated number of casualties was still much higher than average. At least 100 people were killed and 261 injured in nationwide incidents, several of which targeted Shi’ah pilgrims gathering to commemorate Arba’een. Violence was concentrated in the cities of Mosul and Kirkuk in the north, as well as Ramadi and Ba’qubah in the central provinces.
Bombings
A total of 30 non-suicide bomb attacks left 29 people dead and 97 injured. A further 53 people were killed and 130 injured in a suicide bombing targeting Shi’ah pilgrims in Basrah on 14 January, while three more suicide bombings in the capital and north of the country left nine people dead and 32 injured.
Other Tactics
A lower than normal number of small arms fire attacks left six people dead and two injured. There was only one indirect fire attack (rockets and mortars) recorded but it left no casualties. There were no kidnap incidents reported.
Energy Sector Attack
One of the most noteworthy bombings of the week targeted the equipment of Angolan energy company Sonangol. No one was injured in the attack but equipment was damaged and the incident serves as a reminder that oil and gas firms remain an attractive target for militants in the country.
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