In Iraq, universities have been ordered to be shut down after gunmen kidnapped up to 150 scientists and staff members from a government institute in Baghdad. The mass kidnapping occurred this morning when gunmen wearing Interior Ministry commando uniforms stormed the institute, which is located beneath the Ministry of Higher Education. Estimates of the number kidnapped varied widely from as few as 30 to as many as 150. University professors have been a frequent target of violence. Since the war began, thousands have fled the country for safety.