Iraqi workers shot dead on buses

Bomb attacks and shootings are a part of daily life in Iraq

Gunmen have killed at least 12 Iraqi workers travelling home by bus from a factory in the western outskirts of the capital, Baghdad.

The attackers followed two buses as they left the government-owned company in the Abu Ghraib area, a security official was quoted as saying.

Hospital officials said 32 people had been injured in the attack.

Insurgents have been targeting Iraqis believed to be working for the US-backed government.

The latest attack targeted the employees of a firm owned by the ministry of industry and minerals, security official Barakat al-Khazraji was quoted by the Associated Press news agency as saying.

They were heading home to Baghdad's Shia neighbourhoods of Sadr City and Shula, said a police sergeant, Ahmed Ali said.

Police put the death toll at 12 but hospital sources said the final number could be as high as 17.