23 killed in Iraqi attacks

Rebels launched multiple attacks on Iraqi police posts around the city of Tikrit killing 23 people – including 18 policemen – a day after the major Sunni Muslim political party pulled out of the campaign for the January 30 elections citing the deteriorating security situation.

Twelve policemen died when gunmen attacked a station 12 miles south of the city, Saddam Hussein’s hometown, said Arkan Mohammed, a local government official.