BAGHDAD: Iraqi officials say a suicide car bomber has struck a checkpoint in a town south of Baghdad, killing at least 11 people.

A police officer says the bomber on Monday rammed his explosives-laden car into the checkpoint manned by security forces and pro-government Shia militiamen outside the Sunni town of Jurf al-Sakhar, 50 kilometers south of Baghdad.

Iraqi soldiers, backed by the Shia militia, on Sunday recaptured the town, which had been in the hands of Islamic State extremists since late July.

The police officer says at least 11 people were killed and 23 others wounded. Two medical officials confirmed the casualty figures.

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they aren’t authorised to talk to media.