Eight dead in Iraq unrest as parties thrash out coalition deal

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2005

BAGHDAD (AFP) — Eight Iraqis were killed in attacks on security forces and a Jordanian businessman reported kidnapped as the main factions moved to finalise a deal on a new governing coalition more than five weeks after historic elections.

Gunmen attacked an Iraqi army checkpoint with grenades and machine guns north of the capital, killing five soldiers and wounding six, police and one of the survivors said Monday.

Two policemen and a passer-by were killed in a car bombing in the nearby city of Baquba.

The fledgling Iraqi security forces have come under relentless attack from insurgents determined to derail US plans to hand over security responsibility and pave the way for a withdrawal of foreign troops two years after the US-led invasion.

In Amman,...