Insurgents in Iraq have killed at least 15 Iraqis and wounded several others today (Thursday) and have attacked several polling stations in their campaign to disrupt Sunday's national elections.
Violence shook the cities of Samarra, Mahmudiyah, Baquba, Kirkuk, Ramadi and Tikrit in the Sunni heartland around Baghdad. Police and hospital officials reported at least 15 civilians, police and security forces killed in bombing and shooting attacks. A U.S. Marine was also killed in action south of Baghdad.
Meanwhile, insurgents blew up schools and other buildings that were slated to be used Sunday as voting centers. Witnesses said militants ordered the schools evacuated before detonating their explosives.
Sunni Muslim militants have vowed to undermine the elections, fearing victory at the polls by the Shi'ite Muslim majority.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.