Iraq officials say gunmen broke into several newspaper offices in Baghdad; 5 employees hurt

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say gunmen broke into the offices of four independent newspapers in Baghdad and stabbed and beat five employees there.

A police officer said on Monday that the assailants — some wearing military uniforms — also damaged computers and office furniture. They used baton and knives, but not their pistols.

The officer says an investigation is under way into the Sunday attack. A health official confirmed that five people were hurt. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Iraq is ranked among the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. Hundreds of journalists were killed in the country since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.