Gunmen pretending to be an official security force opened fire on police at numerous checkpoints in Haditha, Iraq, early Monday, killing 27, authorities said.
Three of the attackers were killed in shootouts with officers, according to Khalid Salman, head of the Haditha local council
In addition to the 27 killed, three officers were wounded, Salman said.
At least 14 black SUVs with more than 30 gunmen disguised in SWAT-style uniforms entered the town at about 2 a.m., Salman said. The gunmen were carrying forged arrest warrants for senior police officers.