Seven anti-Qaeda militiamen killed in Iraq

Baghdad: At least seven anti-Qaeda militiamen were executed by unidentified gunmen at a checkpoint in northeast of Baghdad on Friday.

According to Iraqi officials, the attack took place in the village of Halaiwat, near the disputed town of Tuz Khurmatu.

Gunmen dressed in military uniforms gathered the militiamen, known as Sahwa, or Awakening, from the area then shot them, the officer said, adding that one survived yet was in critical condition.

A doctor from Tuz Khurmatu hospital confirmed the toll.

The Sahwa are made up of Sunni Arab tribesmen who joined forces with the US military against Al Qaeda from late 2006, helping turn the tide against the insurgency.

Sunni militants still linked to Al Qaeda regularly target Sahwa fighters in because they regard them as traitors.

Source - Thenewstribe