Gunmen attack convoy of Iraqi VP Mahdi-report

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 aide to Mahdi denied any attack had occurred, saying the vice president was in his office.

Two Interior Ministry officials 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, one of the officials said.

The ministry official said US and Iraqi forces had arrived on the scene, secured the area and escorted the convoy to safety.

Journalists in the area heard intense gunfire.

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.

Iraq is gripped by sectarian violence between minority Sunnis and Shi'ites that has killed tens of thousands.

REUTERS BDP ND1546