Gunmen storm market near Baghdad, kill 15 -police

MAHMUDIYA, Iraq, July 17 (Reuters) Gunmen today stormed a market in the violent town of Mahmudiya, just south of Baghdad, killing at least 15 people and wounding 25, police said, adding that police forces were fighting the attackers.

Witnesses in the small town said there was heavy shooting in the area of the market and a number of explosions. Mass gun attacks on civilians are unusual in Iraq. Both Sunni insurgents like al Qaeda and Shi'ite militias have been active in the area.

REUTERS SI HS1326