Scores killed after multiple suicide bombings in Iraq

At least 65 people were killed after multiple suicide attacks targeted Iraqi troops and government-allied fighters in the country’s Anbar province, according to security officials. 

The attacks near the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group-held city of Ramadi early on Tuesday followed an intensification of attacks by ISIL in the area.

At least 12 suicide bombers were involved in the attacks that left mostly soldiers and pro-government Sunni fighters dead.

At least 30 died after four car bomb attacks in Tall Shahida as ISIL fighters overran the area, which is located near an airbase used by US forces to train Iraqi forces. 

Ramadi was hit by US-led coalition air strikes overnight on Tuesday but there was no information on whether any ISIL fighters were killed or wounded.

The city, which is the capital of Anbar province, was taken over by ISIL in May when Iraqi forces capitulated after a prolonged siege.

The group made most of its gains in Iraq in the summer of 2014 during a rapid offensive that resulted in the government losing most of Anbar.

Iraq’s attempts to free the area of ISIL have been backed by a number of countries including Iran, the US, and several European states.

The group has been able to hold on to much of its territory, helped in part by the use of car bombs.