Iraq - Hundreds of Police Poisoned

Iraq - Hundreds of Iraqi policemen fell sick from poisoning at a base in southern Iraq after the evening meal breaking their daily Ramadan fast, and officials said they were investigating whether the poisoning was intentional.

An official with the Environment Ministry said 11 policemen had died. However, the governor of Wasit province -- where the poisoning took place -- denied any deaths, though he said some of the victims were in critical condition.
Some of the policemen began bleeding from the ears and nose after the meal, said an inspector for the Environment Ministry.
"Hundreds of soldiers were poisoned after taking food and water in the iftar," Wasit Gov. Hamad al-Latif said. "Investigations are under way to determine the cause."