Car bomb kills three near US base

A car bomb has exploded near the main US base in the northern city of Tikrit, a US official said. At least three people were killed.

A suicide bomber appeared to be driving the car when it exploded outside the outer wall of the base, said Master Sgt. Robert Powell of the 1st Infantry Division.

The car detonated near a row of shops outside the base, Powell said. Ambulances and fire trucks rushed to the scene, he added.

Witnesses reported seeing wreckage of vehicles with at least three bodies. The blast targeted a convoy of Iraqi officials heading to the Mayor office in Tikrit, they said.