Authorities in Iraq say gunmen broke into the home of a government employee in a town north of Baghdad and killed him and his family.
Police say the attackers, using guns fitted with silencers, killed the Health Ministry employee, his wife, two sons and 10-year old daughter as they slept in their home in Sadiyah today morning. Sadiyah is 95 kilometres (60 miles) north of Baghdad. Police say they are investigating the incident, but have no motive for the attack nor any suspects in mind.
Health officials confirmed the death toll. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to journalists.
At least 209 people have died in attacks across the country so far this month, according to an Associated Press count.