Iraqi MP gunned down in her home

An Iraqi MP was shot and killed by militants who stormed into her house today, Iraqi police said.

Lamia Abed Khadouri al-Sagri, a National Assembly legislator and member of outgoing premier Ayad Allawi’s Iraqi List party, was killed in the Hay Aour neighbourhood of eastern Baghdad, said police Capt Ali al-Obeidi.

“We believe it is politically motivated. She was killed in her home,” said Iraqi National Security Adviser Mouwafak al-Rubaie. The attack is being investigated and police are taking precautions to protect other legislators, he said.

Insurgents have targeted senior lawmakers and Iraqi politicians in a bid to further destabilise reconstruction efforts in the country.

Last week, a suicide car bomb exploded near a police checkpoint as Allawi’s convoy drove home. One policeman was killed and two were wounded, but Allawi escaped unharmed.