Terrorists holding civilians as hostages at a mall in Kirkuk, Iraq SUBSCRIBE to The Latest News: http://goo.gl/qkQPyf Terrorists related to Al-Qaida have raided a mall located in Kirkuk province in Iraq and civilian hostages were hold by the terrorists. The information about the incident is still vague since the kirkuk - Irak Eleven hostages were rescued from the mall during the operation. Iraqi security forces have stormed the Jawahir Mall in Kirkuk in an armed operation aimed at wresting control of the shopping centre from a group of armed men. One armed fighter was captured alive early on Thursday as the security forces brought the situation under control. Dozens of casualties have been reported, but exact figures are not clear at this time. The local governor, Negm El Deen Omar said the police are searching for the remaining hostage-takers. "We knew that the terrorists were planning an attack. I told the security forces not to be deceived with how quiet it has been here in Kirkuk for the past few months. "A terrorist situation like this was inevitable and nothing can stop their deviant attacks. We are working together to investigate this situation and have rescued eleven people. "They're now with their families." Deaths feared A number of people are feared dead after gunmen attacked the shopping mall, taking an unknown number of people hostage. The shopping centre was in flames, reportedly as a result of a suicide bomber detonating his explosive device inside the building. "This is a very bold attack, the has been violence going on for about ten hours now," said an Al Jazeera source who we are not naming for security reasons. "This is a very difficult situation. Some local sources are saying that 25 people have died, but others say it is much higher." The violence started earlier on Wednesday when the main security headquarters in Kirkuk was attacked, killing at least four people. Police said a car bomb exploded at the gates of the Police Intelligence Department and later a suicide bomber entered the building and detonated his explosive device among police personnel.

• published: 05 Dec 2013
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