Attacks kill 8 policemen in western Iraqi town

Baghdad: Iraqi officials say shootings and a suicide bombing targeting security checkpoints have killed eight policemen in a remote western town.

Police officers said the first attack took place today night when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into a checkpoint at the entrance of Rutba, killing four policemen and wounding five others.

Half an hour later, police said, other four policemen were killed and nine were wounded when gunmen launched separate attacks on three other checkpoints.

Rutba local authorities announced a curfew in the town following the attacks.

Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media.