Gang of robbers storm jewelry stores in Baghdad, killing 9

Gang of robbers storm jewelry stores in Baghdad, killing 9

2012-03-13 00:46:29 GMT+7 (ICT)

BAGHDAD, Iraq (BNO NEWS) -- Nine people were killed on late Monday morning when a gang of robbers stormed several jewelry stores at a market in eastern Baghdad, Iraqi police said. The robbers fled with an unknown amount of gold.

The attack happened just before noon local time when a group of robbers entered four jewelry stores at a market in Shaab-Ur, which is a neighborhood located in the eastern region of the Iraqi capital. Gunshots rang out during the heist, and robbers managed to take an unknown amount of gold.

Police sources said the group confronted security forces at a nearby checkpoint as they attempted to flee the scene, resulting in a brief exchange of fire. The gunmen then fled the area, and it was not immediately clear who was behind the robberies.

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a total of nine people were killed, including two jewelry store owners, two police officers, and two civilians. In addition to those killed, around a dozen people were injured, including two police officers, two soldiers, and six civilians.

Also on Monday, a group of gunmen attacked a government office in Tarmiyah, north Baghdad, killing five police officers and wounding another. The mayor was not in the office at the time of the attack, Iraqi news agencies reported.

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