Sucicide car bomb kills 5 soldiers and destroys bridge in western Iraq

BAGHDAD – Iraqi authorities say a suicide car bomb has killed five Iraqi soldiers and destroyed a bridge in the embattled western province of Anbar.

Two police officials the bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into an army checkpoint stationed on a bridge in the town of Hit on Friday. Another three people were wounded. The police officials said that the bridge then collapsed into the Euphrates river.

Hit is 140 kilometers (85) miles west of the capital.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to media.

Violence has escalated in Iraq over the past year, particularly since late last month after authorities dismantled a Sunni anti-government protest camp in Anbar and arrested a Sunni lawmaker.