Iraqi opposition sources in Amman say there are still conflicting accounts of the shooting incident involving a number of Iraqis in the Jordanian capital. However it seems that at least two Iraqis, and possibly as many as eight, were killed in what one source described as a professional mafia- style shooting.

The source said the incident took place in the early hours of the morning in a private house where eight Iraqis, at least some of them diplomats, were discussing business. It is believed that the number two at the Iraqi embassy in Amman, Hikmet Hajou, and his wife, were killed.

Mr Hajou is known to have strong links to the DGI, the Iraqi intelligence service. Without knowing full details, it is hard to say who might be responsible for the attack.