Government loses control of Baquba as rebels intensify attacks

 

By Samah al-Makhzoumi

 

Azzaman, May 11, 2006

 

As political factions squabble over cabinet posts, rebels spread control over most of Diyala Province of which the city of Baquba is the capital.

 

The city’s nearly 350,000 live in a state of terror as the security forces charged with keeping law and order can hardly protect themselves.

 

Fearing for their lives, many government employees have left their jobs. Residents say the current descent into lawlessness is worst since the coming of U.S. invaders in 2003.

 

Government offices and vehicles are targets of frequent attacks and even schools and colleges in the city are not spared.

 

On Wednesday 11 government officials were killed and three others seriously wounded.

 

The gunmen had stopped a bus carrying the officials, told the passengers to get off, separated men from women.

 

They forced the men to stand in a straight line and opened fire on them as terrifying women looked on.

 

Kidnapping is common in the city mainly for ransom.

 

But paying the ransom is not a guarantee that the victim will be released.

 

Last week the police recovered the mutilated body of a six-year old boy whose family had already paid huge money for his release.

 

Baquba is only 50 kilometers to the northeast of Baghdad which U.S. forces have yet to subdue.