Al-Qaida in Iraq claims attacks
BAGHDAD -- An al-Qaida in Iraq front group claimed responsibility yesterday for bloody attacks that killed 65 people across the country a day earlier, underscoring the terror group's potency a decade after the U.S.-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein.
In a statement posted on a militant website, the Islamic State of Iraq said it unleashed the car bombs and other explosions to avenge the executions and "massacres" of convicted Sunni inmates in Iraqi prisons.
The claim of responsibility came 10 years after the U.S.-led war began on March 20 with an airstrike on Dora Farms in southern Baghdad in a failed attempt to kill the dictator.
Saddam's eventual toppling quickly led to a breakdown of law and order, enabling the rise of al-Qaida and other Sunni insurgents as well as releasing sectarian, ethnic and class hatreds that had been suppressed by his iron-fisted rule.
Most of the nearly 20 attacks on Tuesday targeted Shia areas in Baghdad. More than 200 were wounded, officials said, demonstrating in stark terms how dangerously divided Iraq remains more than a year after American troops withdrew.
The al-Qaida statement warned the Shia-led government to stop executing Sunni prisoners or "expect more bad events . . . and seas of blood."
"What has reached you on Tuesday was the first drop of rain, and a first phase ... that will be followed by more revenge," it said. -- AP
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
