Militants launch attack on north Baghdad

BAGHDAD: Iraqi officials say militants have launched an attack on a Sunni-dominated city north of Baghdad, killing seven members of the security forces and taking control of some areas of the city.

Police officials say the assault started on Thursday morning with dozens of gunmen driving into Samarra in SUVs and attacking security checkpoints and police stations across the city.

The army bombed the militants and sent in helicopter gunships, which managed to push the attackers back somewhat, though they remain in control of some areas of the city. Samarra is 95 kilometers (60 miles) north of Baghdad.

The officials say that apart from the seven policemen and soldiers killed, several attackers also died.

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.