Iraqi village takes up arms against insurgents, killing five

MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq, Feb 3 (AFP) - Inhabitants of an Iraqi village killed five insurgents who attacked them for taking part in the country's historic election, police said Thursday.

The insurgents launched the raid after earlier warning the inhabitants of Al-Mudhiryah, south of Baghdad, against taking part in Sunday's vote, said a police captain who requested anonymity.

Another eight insurgents and three villagers from the same tribe were wounded in the clashes late Wednesday, said the police official. Eight cars belonging to the attackers were set ablaze.

The village, which is near Mahmudiyah in Babel province, is made up of Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

"We call on the government to intervene to stop the Salafists who have been threatening our country," tribal leader Sheikh Abu Mohammed told AFP, referring to Sunni hardliners.

AFP