Dozens abducted in Iraq

GUNMEN in military uniforms kidnapped dozens of people yesterday from a major commercial area in Baghdad.

The attackers drove up to the al-Sanak area in about 10 sport utility vehicles and began rounding up shop owners and bystanders. Two police officers said 50 to 70 people were abducted, but the Interior Ministry declined to give a number. At least 25 people were released just hours later.

The al-Sanak area holds shops selling car parts, agricultural equipment and the small power generators that are ubiquitous in Baghdad owing to severe power shortages.

It was not immediately clear why the area was targeted. But suspicion fell on militias, which are believed to have infiltrated police forces and have killed hundreds in sectarian violence, personal vendettas and kidnappings.

Many victims of other past kidnappings have been found among the dozens of bullet-riddled bodies that turn up on the streets of Baghdad.