It's been the deadliest year in Iraq since 2006 and 2007, when tens of thousands were killed in sectarian violence.
And the bloodshed isn't letting up.
An explosives-laced car bomb was detonated by a suicide bomber behind the wheel in the northeastern Iraq, killing at least 12.
No group is claiming responsibility for the attack, but such explosions are a hallmark move of al Qaeda-linked militant groups.
In a push to improve the security, Sunni Muslim tribal fighters are joining forces with Iraqi soldiers to combat rebel fighters.
Sunnis are a minority in Iraq, many of which are furious with the Shi'ite-led government.
The deployment of tribesmen against the militants -- fellow Sunnis -- was the result of a deal tribal leaders struck with Baghdad late Thursday to combat al Qaeda.
