Iraqi guardsmen kidnapped after bus attack

Gunmen attacked a bus carrying Iraqi soldiers today, kidnapping 15 National Guardsmen and leaving the vehicle in flames.

The attack happened near Baghdadi, about 90 miles west of Baghdad.

Witnesses said unknown attackers opened fire – apparently with rocket-propelled grenades – as the guards were heading to a local US military headquarters.

Iraqi security forces – with less armour and more exposure than US forces - increasingly are leading targets of Iraqi insurgents.