Iraqi officials say eight people were killed when armed robbers raided a marketplace in a Shi'ite neighborhood of Baghdad.

Police say mortar shells or rockets exploded in the popular market in the Shula district before gunmen stormed the market's gold and jewelry shops.

8 Killed in Baghdad Jewelry Heist

The gunmen escaped with the merchants' wares. Eight people were killed and at least 14 wounded in the assault that accompanied the heist.

8 Killed in Baghdad Jewelry Heist

Sectarian violence has declined in Iraq, but crime and lawlessness continue to plague the country.

8 Killed in Baghdad Jewelry Heist

Wednesday's assault comes one day after a suicide bomber killed eight people at a cafe in a predominantly Sunni town of Buhriz north of Baghdad. The casualties included Leith Mishaan, the leader of a Sunni militia that had turned against al-Qaida.