Gunmen have killed eight Iraqi National Guards in an ambush in the predominately Sunni city Ramadi.
Local officials say 18 others were wounded in the attack.
In Baghdad, Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's office confirmed that kidnappers freed Mr. Allawi's cousin, Ghazi Allawi. His captors had threatened to kill him over the U.S.-led siege of Fallujah.
Also Sunday, the Iraqi government said national elections will now be held January 30th -- three days later than originally announced.
The announcement comes ahead of a meeting Monday in Egypt between Iraq and its neighbors on border security and other issues. On Tuesday, the representatives will be joined by officials from several international bodies, including the United Nations and the Arab League, for an expected show of support for the upcoming elections.