Iraqi officials say gunmen dressed all in black kidnap 31 suspected criminals in Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say gunmen dressed all in black have abducted 31 Shiite men from their home in eastern Baghdad in an attack they described as targeting suspected criminals.

Two police officials say the abduction happened early Saturday when the gunmen stormed houses in the Shiite neighborhood of Sadr City. They say the gunmen took the 31 men and put them in a truck before driving away.

Police officials say they suspect the kidnapped men were involved in prostitution and criminal activities. The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to journalists.

Some Shiite militias have been involved attacks against suspected prostitutes and stores that sell liquors as a part of their campaign to impose Islamic laws.