Hostage siege kills 34 in Iraq

Iraqi officials say the death toll in a hostage siege at a local government office in Saddam Hussein's hometown has risen to 34 people and that three lawmakers are among the dead.

Salahuddin province media adviser Mohammed al-Asi says 65 people were wounded in the hours-long siege Tuesday in Tikrit, 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Baghdad.

Al-Asi and Salahuddin Governor Ahmed Abdullah confirm that three provincial councilmen were killed, including one known for his tough stands against al-Qa'ida in Iraq.

Security officials are blaming al-Qa'ida in Iraq for the attack.