Central Iraq (Baghdad and Anbar)
Baghdad reported a total of 37 incidents during the period; above the 2012 weekly average of 30 and an increase on last weeks relatively low count of 24. The Baghdad Operations Command (BOC) was one of several regional commands to announce their security plans for the forthcoming Ashura celebrations. A noticeable increase in ISF operations often follows such announcements. On 14 November, a VBIED detonated near to the Sheraton hotel in the Abu Nawas area of eastern Baghdad; this was the only significant attack in the capital during the series of nationwide coordinated attacks that day. Ironically, the VBIED targeted the convoy of the Iraqi Major General who oversees convoy security in the capital. The western areas outside of the city, predominantly Abu Ghraib and Ameriya have been the most active areas of Baghdad this week. Insurgent groups in Abu Ghraib occupy a strategic position linking eastern Anbar to the Sunni districts in western Baghdad and as such look to maintain their operational freedom along this corridor. This week saw a number of IEDs reported in the areas along this corridor into western Baghdad; there was some success this week for ISF, who killed the AQI leader for Abu Ghraib during a raid at his home in Ameriya on 12 November. While significant, this is likely to have only a short-term impact on operations, as voids in command are often filled quickly.
Anbar reported a total of twelve incidents during the period; similar to last week’s figure and in line with the 2012 weekly average. Eastern Anbar continues to experience the most insurgent activity, predominantly in the areas of Karmah, Fallujah and Amiriyah. The western border town of al-Qaim also reported a number of SAF incidents, involving smugglers and security forces. Within Karmah, a SAF attack targeted a civilian vehicle and a hand-grenade was thrown at a checkpoint. In Fallujah, three civilians were injured by mortar rounds around the gravel plant east of the city and an under vehicle bomb (UVIED) killed a civilian. The continuation of reporting from Amiriyah this week demonstrates that the security situation in the area is becoming increasingly unstable. The town is situated just 20km south of Fallujah and is home to some of the key tribal leaders who opposed AQI in Anbar as part of the original Anbar ‘Sahwa’ Salvation Council back in 2006. Following several attacks reported against Sahwa members last week, this week saw continued attacks in the town prompting ISF to conduct a series of operations which resulted in the detention of a total of seven individuals on terrorism charges.
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