Special report:Tension escalates in Iraq

    BAGHDAD, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi deputy Health Minister survived assassination attempt in central Baghdad on Monday, killing two of his bodyguards, a ministry source said.

    "Unknown gunmen attacked the convoy of Hakim al-Zamili, deputy of health Ministry, in Bab al-Mu'adham area killing two of his bodyguards, but the minister escaped unhurt," an official from the ministry told Xinhua.

    Late on Sunday, Ammar Assafar another health ministry deputy was kidnapped when gunmen wearing police uniforms stormed his house in Baghdad's northern district of Adhamiyah.

    Earlier in the day, the Iraqi minister of state, Mohammed Abbas Auraibi, survived a roadside bomb explosion targeted his convoy on a highway in eastern Baghdad, wounding two of his bodyguards.

    Insurgents frequently attack Iraqi government senior officials along with Iraqi security forces, accusing them of collaborating with U.S. occupation.

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