Baghdad, eight people were killed when suicide car bombing has targeted an army checkpoint an Iraq official said. "The bomber rammed his explosives -laden car into the checkpoint near a commercial area in the northern, Shiite-dominated Shaab neighborhood of the Iraqi capital today morning", said, police officer.

Three soldiers and five civilians were killed, and about 14 people were injured.

A medical official confirmed casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information.

The attack comes as Iraqi forces are poised to push into Fallujah to retake the city west of Baghdad from IS militants.