Militants kill 12, kidnap 32 in Iraq

Militants belonging to the Al Qaeda-affiliated insurgent group The Islamic State of Iraq killed at least 12 civilians in Iraq, say local authorities.

Militants belonging to the Al Qaeda-affiliated insurgent group The Islamic State of Iraq killed at least 12 civilians in Iraq, local authorities said on Saturday.

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The initial death count cited in local reports had earlier stood at 10 but the toll increased a few hours after the attack.

A source from the Iraqi police told DPA that the armed Islamists raided the predominantly Shiite Duwailiya village in Diyala province and killed the Iraqis using light weaponry. Seven others were wounded in the attack.

According to the same source, around 32 people - including members of the village's local council - were kidnapped in the incident. Nine houses were also burned down.

The Islamic State of Iraq emerged after the 2003 US invasion of Iraq but has been most active in the past few months.

The group is believed to be based in northern Iraq and has been blamed for kidnappings and bombings in the northern area.