Al-Qaeda Group Claims Kidnapping of U.S. Soldiers

June 19, 2006 --

Bombers Defy Security to Hit Iraq
At least 41 people have been killed and 100 injured in a string of attacks in and around the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. (BBC)

Iraq PM Announces First Coalition Troop Pullback
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced that coalition troops were to quit the southern province of Muthanna next month, in the first such handover to Iraq's fledgling security forces. (AFP)

'Thirty' Killed In Taleban Attack
At least 30 people have been killed in a suspected Taleban attack in southern Afghanistan, officials say. (BBC)