Hostage siege in Baghdad ends in bloodshed

An Iraqi forces-led bid to rescue dozens of hostages held in a Baghdad church has left over 30 worshippers dead.

The operation began after gunmen laid siege to “Our Lady of Salvation” in the centre of the Iraqi capital. About 100 parishioners were attending Sunday mass.

Three militants detonated suicide vests as the Iraqi forces entered the building – five others were shot dead. Several security officers also died.

Al Qaeda has said it was behind the attack.

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