Iraq news

Oil pipeline attacked

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Saboteurs blasted a strategic crude-oil pipeline Sunday that runs from Iraq’s northern oil fields to the south, police said.

Also Sunday, an official of the state-run South Oil Co. said Iraq shut down a key oil export pipeline near Basra after attacks on two major pipelines. The official said the shutdown cut exports by 10 percent.

Pro-Saddam rally banned

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Militants stopped a group of Saddam Hussein loyalists from holding a march Sunday to show solidarity for the ousted Iraqi dictator.

About 20 cars filled with armed, masked men who refer to themselves as Mujahedeen, or holy warriors, forced about 100 people gathered for the rally to disperse. Islamic radicals frequently were targeted by Saddam.

Denial on killing Marine

BEIRUT, Lebanon – A militant group denied Sunday that it killed U.S. Marine Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun, 24, injecting hope for his family.

The fate of the Lebanese-born Marine remains unknown. Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry says he is believed dead. The denial from Ansar al-Sunna Army came a day after a statement in the group’s name announced he was beheaded.

Iran to file suit at Saddam

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran said Sunday it has prepared a criminal complaint against former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein for his 1980 invasion of Iran and for using chemical weapons against Iranians during the neighboring nations’ eight-year war.

Tehran will file the documents with the Iraqi court where Saddam is standing trial.