BAGHDAD, Aug. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Gunmen assassinated a high-ranking police officer in southern Baghdad on Monday, police said.

   "Unknown armed men opened fire at Brig. Salam Lutfy as he was driving his car heading to work in Doura neighborhood, killing him and wounding two of his bodyguards," an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

   Salam's body and his wounded guards were evacuated to Yarmouk Hospital, the source added.

   Insurgents frequently attack and kidnap Iraqi army officers and soldiers in an attempt to cripple the Shiite-dominated government formed in late April. Enditem