BAGHDAD – A gang using bombs and automatic weapons tried to storm a bank in Baghdad in a failed robbery Thursday that officials said left three people dead, including two policemen.
Police say the assault began with four bombs exploding near the state-run Al-Rafidain bank in southwestern Baghdad. In the ensuing gunbattle, two policemen and a bystander were shot dead.
Two of the robbers were captured. Police and hospital officials said a total of six people were wounded, including three policemen.
Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said it was unclear whether the gang had political links or was purely criminal.
Baghdad has been hit recently by a wave of attacks on security officials and government workers as well as a number of high profile bank robberies.
The security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media.