Iraq Weekly Roundup

Summary
Levels of violence rose in Iraq last week. Security measures were gradually relaxed following the conclusion of the Arab League Summit which appeared to grant militants slightly more opportunity to conduct attacks.
Geographical Distribution
At least 29 people were killed and 19 injured in nationwide incidents, with Mosul suffering the majority of the country’s violence. Kirkuk was the next most badly affected area, whilst Baghdad saw only three attacks. Even the normally stable city of Arbil in Kurdistan saw a rare sticky bomb attack. The south of the country remained relatively quiet.
Tactics
A total of 20 bomb attacks left 10 people dead and 12 injured countrywide. This is a rise from the previous week but the majority of the devices were small and low-yielding in terms of casualties. There were no suicide bombings recorded. A rise in the number of small arms fire attacks left 16 people dead and five injured. This is a relatively high figure, with most incidents taking place in Mosul. An additional indirect fire attack, also in Mosul, left two people dead and two injured.
Kidnap for Ransom
Two civilians were abducted in Kirkuk, which remains the abduction capital of the country. Indeed AKE’s latest K&R report shows it to be one of the worst cities in the world for kidnap and ransom activity.
Energy Sector Violence
The oil sector was targeted in two attacks last week, with the authorities making safe an explosive device on a field in Diyala province. Three devices also detonated on the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline in Salah ad-Din province, disrupting supply through the facility for 24 hours. An officer from the oil police was also shot dead in an attack in Kirkuk. The sector remains an attractive target and organisations are advised to review safety and contingency plans surrounding their operations.

_____________________________________________
Source: AKE