Gunmen kill nine in Baghdad gold heist

At least nine people were killed, including two policemen, when gunmen attacked a gold market in northern Baghdad on Monday.

Police said Iraqi security forces then exchanged fire with the gunmen, leaving 15 people injured, including four policemen.

The attackers were also armed with hand grenades, and robbed four gold shops at the busy market.

One child who witnessed the attack describes what happened.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED WOUNDED BOY

"Two gunmen opened fire at us, at a car that was driving in front of us. The driver was hit here (points at his head) and I was hit here (points at his leg). I was hit by the same bullet (as the driver)."

The attack comes in the run-up to a meeting of Arab leaders at the end of the month - intended as Iraq's debut on the regional stage following the withdrawal of U.S. troops last December.

Many Iraqis are left worrying whether their government will be able to uphold security.

Five other deaths were reported elsewhere in the Iraqi capital in attacks on security forces and a government office on Monday.

Travis Brecher, Reuters