BAGHDAD, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Iraqi insurgents killed five members of a Baghdad family to lure police into an ambush in a massacre that left more than 40 people dead.
The Washington Post reported the casualties included a member of the U.S. security forces, 13 police officers and 27 civilians. The killers, a group of about 40 people, wore masks and carried AK-47s and grenade launchers. They were believed to be former supporters of Saddam Hussein's regime.
The deadly attack in western Baghdad was part of an upsurge in violence as the stalemate continues in constitutional negotiations. In the south, there were clashes between Shiite militias supporting and opposing the government.
Maj.-Gen. Rick Lynch said in the Baghdad attack, a family was killed inside their home. Police who responded were killed or wounded by car bombs.
Residents of the area told the Post fighting continued for several hours.
