On 21 April 2004 , a series of bomb blasts ripped through the city , killing 74 people . The Multi-National Division ( South-East ) , under British Command , was engaged in Security and Stabilization missions in Basra Governorate and surrounding areas during this time . Political groups centred in Basra were reported to have close links with political parties already in power in the Iraqi government , despite opposition from Iraqi Sunnis and the more secular Kurds . January 2005 elections saw several radical politicians gain office , supported by religious parties . American journalist Steven Vincent , who had been researching and reporting on corruption and militia activity in the city , was kidnapped and killed on 2 August 2005
series of bomb blasts
21 April 2004 Basra bombings
Basra