Many dead in attacks on Iraq checkpoints

Shootings and a suicide bombing targeting security checkpoints have killed at least 16 security forces and wounded 35 others in a remote western town, Reuters news agency has reported, quoting police sources.

Associated Press news agency, quoting police officials reported that eight of the deceased were policemen.

Police officers said the first attack took place on Tuesday night in western Anbar province when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a checkpoint at the entrance of Rutba, killing four policemen and wounding five others.

Half an hour later, police said, other four policemen were killed and nine were wounded when gunmen launched separate attacks on three other checkpoints.

Rutba local authorities announced a curfew in the town following the attacks.

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to media.