Iraqi and US security forces have freed 50 hostages from a Baghdad church and killed all gunmen who took worshippers hostage. Seven hostages were killed and at least 20 wounded in a rescue operation in the Iraqi capital. According to Iraq News agency, all eight gunmen were also killed when US and Iraqi forces mounted a joint operation to rescue worshippers held hostage in the Sayidat al-Nejat church in the Karrada neighbourhood. Iraqi National news agency has reported that Iraqi security forces with help from US forces have freed hostages from church. The gunmen had stormed the church last evening mass after killing two guards at the nearby headquarters of the Baghdad stock exchange. They held nearly 100 hostages in the church. Gunmen were demanding the release of detainees held in Iraq and Egypt. France, Italy and several other countries condemned the hostage-taking in their statements