Suicide attack at checkpoint kills 24 near Baghdad

Iraqi officials have raised the death toll from a suicide attack at a checkpoint in a town south of Baghdad to 24.

In Monday’s attack, the bomber rammed his explosives-laden military Humvee into the checkpoint manned by security forces and pro-government Shiite militiamen outside the Sunni town of Jurf al-Sakhar.

The town is about 30 miles south of Baghdad. Iraqi soldiers and Shiite militiamen on Sunday recaptured the town, which had been in the hands of Islamic State extremists since late July.

A police officer says at least 24 people were killed, more than doubling the initial death toll. He says 25 people were wounded.

Two medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to media.