Gunmen attack convoy of Iraqi VP Mahdi; no injuries

BAGHDAD, Dec 14 (Reuters) Gunmen attacked the convoy of Iraq's Shi'ite vice president, Adel Abdul Mahdi, in Baghdad today, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries, Interior Ministry officials said.

An Interior Ministry official told Reuters Mahdi was in the convoy but was not hurt. One of Mahdi's aides called for help from the US military and Iraqi security forces.

The official said the convoy was afraid to move forward for fear of bombs on the road ahead. Reuters was unable to reach any of Mahdi's aides by telephone.

Details of the attack were sketchy but ministry officials said it took place near Jamiaa district, a volatile mostly Sunni area in western Baghdad.

Members of the Shi'ite-led government and the parliament have been frequent targets of shootings and bombings in recent months.

REUTERS BDP VV1509