Iraq's interior ministry attacked by insurgents

Insurgents launched a surprise attack on Baghdad’s heavily guarded Interior Ministry building early today, killing two police guards and wounding several others, officials said.

The attack lasted about 10 minutes, police Maj. Falah al-Hamdani said. Five police officers were wounded.

The guerrillas, who used rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons, withdrew after the short clash. It was not clear if they suffered any casualties.

At least four US Apache and Blackhawk helicopters could be seen flying over the area in central Baghdad after the firefight, including one with large Red Cross signs on the fuselage.

Insurgent frequently attack Iraqi security forces, but daytime attacks against heavily defended targets such as the Interior Ministry are rare.