BAGHDAD, JULY 9, SPA -- GUNMEN STOPPED CARS IN WESTERNBAGHDAD, GRABBING PEOPLE FROM THE STREET AND SEPARATING ARABS FROM THE REST, KILLING AT LEAST 37 PEOPLE, POLICE SAID, IN A DRAMATIC ESCALATION OF SECTARIAN VIOLENCE IN THE COUNTRY. THE ATTACK BY MILITIAMEN IN THE DANGEROUS JIHADNEIGHBORHOOD WAS APPARENTLY IN RETALIATION FOR THE CAR BOMBING THE NIGHT BEFORE OF A LOCAL MOSQUE, ACCORDING TO A REPORT OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. POLICE LT. MAITHAM ABDUL-RAZZAQ SAID 37 BODIES WERE TAKEN TO HOSPITALS AND POLICE WERE SEARCHING FOR MORE VICTIMS REPORTEDLY LEFT DUMPED IN THE STREETS. HE ALSO SAID U.S. AND IRAQI FORCES HAD SEALED OFF THE AREA. --SPA 09/07/2006 14:37 ت م www.spa.gov.sa/374337