Iraqi safety forces stormed a Catholic minster Sunday where gunmen suspected of having tie to al Qaeda were holding worshippers captive, ending an hours-long standoff, police officials said Sunday.
Thirty-seven populace were killed in the operation, counting hostages, kidnappers and security workers, they said. At least seven of the victims were hostages, police officials said, while one more 57 were injured.
Eight suspect were under arrest.
"All the marks tip out that this incident carries the fingerprints of al Qaeda," Iraqi protection Minister Abdul Qader Obeidi said on state TV Sunday.
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