When what is good for the goose, is NOT for the gander...!

There have been fewer attacks in the urban areas of the Kurdish Regional Government administered areas in northern Iraq than across the rest of the country but there is still a threat of attack. The city of Dahuk has had fewer security incidents and heavy security is in place. In 2005, there have been 2 suicide bomb attacks on police targets in Erbil resulting in severe casualties. On 25 October, there were two explosions in the city of Sulymaniyah. Although no British nationals were hurt in these incidents, you should review your security arrangements and maintain all necessary precautions. The areas administered by the Kurdish Regional Government do not include Mosul and Kirkuk. There are still a significant number of attacks in Kirkuk and recent insurgent activity is focusing on Mosul.

A wide range of conventional weapons are used in all these attacks. Attacks have included the use of Improvised Explosive Devices including suicide vests and other portable devices, and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices such as car bombs. In September 2005, there were an increased number of Improvised Explosive Device attacks against British Forces in the south-east of Iraq, and attacks on the compound where the Office of the British Embassy is located in Basra. Rocket and mortar attacks and armed assaults have occurred.

There have been several attacks on targets associated with the forthcoming elections in December 2005, including domestic political parties. Terrorists and insurgents continue to attack a variety of other domestic targets including mosques, churches, army recruiting centres, police stations and government buildings. Islamic religious festivals such as Hajj and Ashura have also been targeted in terrorist attacks. Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter are also a potential target, particularly near churches or areas of Baghdad, Mosul or Erbil with large Christian communities.

Fifteen failed Iraqi asylum seekers have been forcibly sent home, the Home Office confirmed.
The refugees are being flown out to the northern city of Irbil, according to leaked Home Office documents obtained by Channel 4 News.
A Home Office spokesman said: "We can confirm that fifteen Iraqi nationals with no leave to remain in the UK were removed to Iraq on November 20.

"The Government announced its intention to commence enforced returns to Iraq in February 2004 and these removals bring Iraq into line with arrangements we have with other countries.

"All those removed were informed in advance of this action and have been given assistance to help re-establish themselves in Iraq enabling them to contribute to the re-building of their country.

"It is important for the integrity of our asylum system that any individual who is found not to be in need of international protection should be expected to leave the UK."