Al-Qaida claims responsibility for attack

BAGHDAD, June 28 (UPI) -- Militants affiliated with an al-Qaida in Iraq group claimed responsibility Saturday for a recent attack against tribal sheiks.

The Islamic State of Iraq said in a statement posted on an Islamic Web site that an attack Thursday in Anbar province targeted "awakening elements," CNN reported Saturday.

The Awakening Council collaborates with the U.S.-backed Iraqi government.

Officials said 25 people were killed in the attack, including three U.S. Marines and several sheiks.

Twenty others were wounded at the meeting just west of Baghdad.