The death toll from an attack on the Iraqi provincial council headquarters in Tikrit now stands at least 50. Iraqi security forces have also ended the siege in the building.

A government official says the attackers were wearing police uniforms and explosive belts. They stormed the building Tuesday and took hostages. Three provincial council members and seven insurgents are among the dead. 65 others were injured.

Authorities say the attackers blew up a car to create a diversion, before launching the raid. Witnesses reported fierce clashes between the attackers and guards at the building. Entry to the city of Tikrit has been temporarily blocked, and a curfew is in place. Tikrit has been a hotbed for attacks by Al-Qaida insurgents.

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