13 Iraqis killed during the 24 hours

The past 24 hours witnessed the killing of 13 Iraqis and injuring other 19 in a series of attacks took place in several Iraqi cities. The attacks took place while the American Marines continued for the third running days an operation in west Euphrates area in al-Anbar governorate.

One booby trapped car went off led by a suicide bomber at the entrance of Babel hotel in the downtown of Baghdad, but no casualties were reported. One worker in the hotel said the explosion followed the conclusion of a conference. No other details were given.

In a new development, two Polish soldiers were injured in an attack on Wednesday in al-Dewaneyah city to the south of Baghdad while they were in a joint vehicle with the Iraqi security forces, according to a spokesman for the Polish army. Poland assumes control on the southern area of Baghdad assuming the leadership of 4000 troops of the coalition forces led by the USA.

In Ankara, one diplomatic source announced the release of a Turkish business man held by gunmen as a hostage in Iraq since the beginning of January this year.

The source said that the diplomat Abdul Qader Tanreikolo is now in the Turkish embassy in Baghdad and preparations are underway to bring him back home.