Journalist among at least 32 dead in Iraq hostage drama

By BNO News

TIKRIT, IRAQ (BNO NEWS) -- A freelance journalist was among at least 32 people who were killed on Tuesday afternoon when a group of gunmen stormed a provincial council building in northern Iraq, officials said.

Police said the attack began on Tuesday afternoon when a group of gunmen set off two car bombs outside the Salah ad Din council headquarters in Tikrit. The group then stormed the building, opening fire and taking an unknown number of hostages.

Iraqi security forces exchanged fire with the gunmen for hours before entering the building, after which a fierce gun battle ensued. U.S. service members were reportedly also at the scene to assist Iraqi authorities in dealing with the suspected al-Qaeda attack.

According to a police spokesman, at least 32 people were killed while more than 60 others were injured, some critically. He said the death toll is expected to rise but said the incident was under control as of 7 p.m. local time.

Among the fatalities was at least one freelance journalist who worked for Reuters and Al Arabiya Television. The agencies identified the victim as 30-year-old Sabah al-Bazee, who was married with 3 children.

"On behalf of the entire team at Thomson Reuters, I wish to convey our sadness at the untimely death of Sabah al-Bazee," said Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen Adler. "He was a valued member of our team in Iraq and will be much missed by colleagues. This tragic incident shows yet again the risks journalists face daily in doing their jobs and to bring news to the world."

Tikrit, the capital of Salah ad Din Governorate, is about 140 kilometers (90 miles) northwest of Baghdad, the country's capital.

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