BAGHDAD, Jan. 11 (UPI) — At least seven people died and a hostage situation unfolded in Iraq on Monday as about 20 militants reportedly stormed Baghdad’s al-Jawhara shopping mall.
BBC News reported a car bomb exploded outside the mall in the city’s New Baghdad district and militants soon stormed inside. It is unclear who the gunmen were and how many were held hostage.
Iraqi security forces arrived at the scene and sealed the area surrounding the mall. NDTV reported police officials fear the gunmen were wearing suicide belts.
