Officials say bombings and clashes in central Iraq have killed seven members of the security forces and wounded eight.
Two police officers say two roadside bombs targeted joint army and police patrols today in the town of Jurf al-Sakhar, prompting clashes in which artillery was used to support security forces. Four policemen and three soldiers were killed.
They added that 16 militants were killed and 17 arrested, while seven houses used by militants to stock weapons were demolished.
The town, about 50 kilometers south of Baghdad, is a former insurgent stronghold that has in the past seen attacks on security forces and nearby Shiite areas.
A medical official confirmed the causalities. All spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to release information.
