Baghdad, Iraq – Shiite politicians demanded changes in the Iraqi government Sunday, accusing a Sunni Arab party in the coalition of ties to terrorism after a bodyguard of its leader was arrested on suspicion of planning bomb attacks.
The dispute threatened a sectarian crisis within the national unity government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, which is struggling to contain spiraling Shiite-Sunni killings that the U.S. ambassador said have surpassed Sunni insurgent attacks in deadliness.
After the bodyguard’s arrest, an unprecedented surprise curfew was imposed Saturday on Baghdad, preventing pedestrian as well as vehicle traffic. The curfew was lifted early Sunday.
At least 23 people were killed in violence Sunday, and 21 bodies were found in Baghdad or to the south, many bound and tortured. In the evening, gunmen raided a frozen-food factory in Baghdad, kidnapping 24 workers and wounding two others.
The U.S. military also reported Sunday that two GIs were killed the day before in fighting in western Anbar province – bringing to at least 70 the number of U.S. troops killed last month. It was the second-highest monthly toll this year; 76 died in April.
Iraqi troops backed by U.S. military advisers arrested a suspected Shiite militiaman believed to have carried out abductions and killings. A gun battle broke out at the suspect’s home in Baghdad’s Shiite stronghold of Sadr City, leaving a woman and a girl dead.
Afterward, angry men at the scene held up a color picture of a smiling, winking Jesus giving a “thumbs up” sign that they said was left by troops at the raided house, an allegation denied by U.S. and Iraqi officials.
