BAGHDAD:

An Iraqi security official says a roadside bomb has exploded north of Baghdad, killing eight fighters from a militia headed by an influential Shiite Muslim cleric.

Thursday’s ambush was confirmed by a spokesman with the Peace Brigades, or Saraya al-Salam militia, which is commanded by Muqtada al-Sadr. They both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The militia spokesman said among those killed was a militia commander, Hussein Attiyeh. The ambush occurred west of the holy city of Samarra, some 60 miles (96 kms) north of the capital Baghdad. (AP)