Iraq: Gunmen kill 4 Shiite farmers near Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say gunmen have shot dead four Shiite farmers working in an orchard just north of Baghdad.

Police officials said that two carloads of attackers opened fire Monday on the farmers pollinating date trees in the predominantly Sunni village of Rashidiyah.

A hospital official said that four other farmers were wounded in the attack

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.

Sunni insurgents launch frequent attacks on Shiite civilians or security forces loyal to the Shiite-led government. Suspected motives include undermining the government's authority, revenge, or reviving sectarian fighting in the country.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi officials say gunmen have shot dead four Shiite farmers working in an orchard just north of Baghdad.

Police officials said Monday that two carloads of attackers opened fire on the farmers pollinating date trees in the predominantly Sunni village of Rashidiyah.

A hospital official said that four other farmers were wounded in the attack

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.

Sunni insurgents launch frequent attacks on Shiite civilians or security forces loyal to the Shiite-led government. Suspected motives include undermining the government's authority, revenge, or reviving sectarian fighting in the country.