Raids on Iraqi checkpoints kill 7

BAQUBA, Iraq, Apr 27 (Reuters) At least seven people, including two civilians, were killed in a series of attacks on police checkpoints in Baquba 65 km (40 miles) north of Baghdad today, police said.

The raids, including mortar fire, lasted several hours and the rebels were only repelled when U.S. forces came to the aid of the police.

The dead included five policemen, and six police and two civilians were wounded.

Insurgents fighting US-led forces and the Iraqi government have increasingly turned their focus from U.S-led troops to the newly formed Iraqi police and army.

REUTERS CH PM1900