Islamic State (IS) extremists have unleashed a wave of suicide attacks targeting the Iraqi army in western Anbar province, killing at least 17 troops.

Iraqi troops and Shia militias battled IS yesterday south of the militant-held city of Tikrit, though roadside bombs and suicide attacks slowed their advance on Saddam Hussein’s hometown.

Some 50 bodies have been discovered outside a city south of Baghdad, many of them blindfolded and with their hands bound.

Iraqi militants unleashed a string of bombings and other attacks primarily targeting the country’s Shiite community, leaving at least 40 dead.

Bombings that hit markets and other insurgent strikes primarily targeting Iraq’s Shiite community killed 31 people today, challenging government efforts to promote a sense of stability by preventing attacks during a major Muslim holiday.