Published January 08, 2015
Authorities in Iraq say clashes and a suicide bombing have killed 17 soldiers in areas around the capital, Baghdad.
Hassan Fadaam, a member of the Babil provincial council, said Saturday that overnight clashes between security forces and Sunni militants in the town of Jurf al-Sakhar killed at least nine troops and dozens of militants.
Jurf al-Sakhar, located some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of the capital, is predominantly Sunni.
Meanwhile, police said a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a group of Iraqi soldiers in the town of Balad, north of the capital, killing eight soldiers and wounding 23.
A hospital official confirmed the causality figures. All officials spoke said on condition of anonymity because they were authorized to brief journalists.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/officials-clashes-bombing-kill-17-soldiers-north-and-south-of-iraqs-capital-baghdad