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Iraq hostages 'freed by police' Iraq hostages 'freed by police'
(10 minutes later)
All of the hostages seized in a raid by gunmen on an Baghdad higher education facility have been released, Iraqi officials say. All of the hostages seized in a raid by gunmen on a Baghdad higher education facility have been released, Iraqi officials say.
A government spokesman told the BBC that about 40 hostages had been freed in a number of police operations.A government spokesman told the BBC that about 40 hostages had been freed in a number of police operations.
Gunmen dressed in uniforms similar to those worn by Iraqi police abducted dozens of people.Gunmen dressed in uniforms similar to those worn by Iraqi police abducted dozens of people.
Five top officers were later arrested - including the police chief of Karrada district where the abductions occurred.Five top officers were later arrested - including the police chief of Karrada district where the abductions occurred.
About 20 of the abductees had been released earlier on Tuesday evening.About 20 of the abductees had been released earlier on Tuesday evening.
The rest of the hostages were said to have been freed shortly before midnight in Baghdad (2100 GMT), according to interior ministry spokesman Wafiq al-Sammarai.The rest of the hostages were said to have been freed shortly before midnight in Baghdad (2100 GMT), according to interior ministry spokesman Wafiq al-Sammarai.
Initial estimates had suggested that more than 100 people had been seized, but that was later revised down throughout the day.Initial estimates had suggested that more than 100 people had been seized, but that was later revised down throughout the day.