Inmates killed after attack on Iraqi jail

At least 44 detainees have died after Sunni militants attacked a police station north east of Baghdad and fought with pro-government Shiite militiamen defending the site, Iraqi police said.

The station in Diyala province, which has a small jail, came under attack by Islamic militants who tried to free the detainees, all suspected Sunni militants, officers said.

Police said the Shiite militiamen reportedly killed the detainees at close range, with 44 killed. A morgue official in the provincial capital of Baqouba said many had bullet wounds to the head and chest.

Iraq’s military said 52 were killed when the attackers shelled the station with mortar rounds.