Security Summary: April 9, 2007

Iraqis carry signs at a demonstration where hundreds of thousands protested in Najaf today.

BAGHDAD - The bodies of 17 people, some bearing signs of torture, were found across Baghdad during the past 24 hours, police said. Many of the bodies are thought to be victims of sectarian violence.

ISKANDARIYA - Gunmen killed two Shi'ite protestors who were heading south towards the holy city of Najaf from Iskandariya, 40 km (25 miles) south of Baghdad, police said. Seven others were wounded in the attack.

KHALIS - Gunmen assassinated Jalal al-Daini, a tribal leader, in the town of Khalis, 80 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad, police said.

KIRKUK - Police said they found the body of a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) who was stabbed to death near the northern city of Kirkuk, 250 km (155 miles) north of Baghdad.

MAHAWEEL - Police found the blindfolded and bounded body of a man in the town of Mahaweel, 75 km (50 miles) south of Baghdad, police said. The body had apparent torture marks on it.

HIT - Iraqi police killed two al Qaeda militants in the western Iraqi town of Hit, police Lieutenant-Colonel Ahmed Hameed said.

DIWANIYA - A roadside bomb wounded four civilians when it exploded near a U.S. military vehicle in the southern city of Diwaniya, 180 km (112 miles) south of Baghdad, police and hospital sources said.

From Reuters/Alternet