Five hostage takers were asylum seekers, say authorities

Five men who barricaded themselves inside the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin with a group of hostages had applied for asylum in Germany.

The siege at the embassy was ended by commandos after 20 attempts by police to establish telephone contact went unanswered.

Iraq's acting ambassador and his designated successor, who had been tied up, were freed unhurt.

The suspects are to be appear in court later to determine whether they should remain in custody.

Berlin justice officials said the five men were aged between 32 and 43. Four of them had registered as asylum seekers in Berlin in March, and the fifth had done so last year.

"So far they have kept silent" in questioning, said an official who did not give details of their nationality.

Police moved after Iraqi officials gave German authorities the all-clear to enter the embassy grounds.

Clambering over an iron fence, the commandos stormed the building and knocked a loaded Czech-made pistol out of the hands of one of the hostage takers, freeing the two diplomats.

Investigators said they had no information about the group calling itself Democratic Iraqi Opposition of Germany, which issued a statement claiming responsibility, other than it appeared to be newly formed.

The men armed with a loaded pistol, two tear gas guns, a hatchet and a stun gun, forced their way into the three-story embassy.