Berlin, 20 August 2002 (RFE/RL) -- German police say they are investigating a suspected hostage-taking at the Iraqi embassy in Berlin today. A group calling itself the "Democratic Iraqi Opposition of Germany" has issued a statement in German saying that it has occupied the embassy to press its demands for an end to the rule of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
The group's statement said the action would be "peaceful and temporary." A German police spokesman told Western news agencies that a police operation is taking place at the Iraqi embassy, but declined to give further details.
There has been no word on the number of hostages that may have been taken.
The group's statement said the action would be "peaceful and temporary." A German police spokesman told Western news agencies that a police operation is taking place at the Iraqi embassy, but declined to give further details.
There has been no word on the number of hostages that may have been taken.