6 Iraqi soldiers killed at Baquba checkpoint

At least 15 others were hurt when gunmen opened fire on Iraqi troops at a checkpoint near a northern Iraqi town.

Gunmen shot and killed at least six soldiers and wounded 15 when they opened fire on Iraqi troops at a checkpoint near the northern Iraqi town of Baquba on Monday, police said.

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Police Lieutenant Colonel Amer Naseer told Reuters the attack took place at dawn near the small town of Balad Ruz, 50 km southeast of Baquba. One gunman was killed, he said.

Insurgents often shoot or bomb Iraqi soldiers and security forces as part of a campaign to topple the US-backed government.