12 Dead In Attack On Iraq Military Base

Officials in Iraq say at least 12 soldiers have been killed and more than 10 injured in an attack on a military base outside the northern city of Mosul.

The Associated Press, quoting army and police, said the April 17 attack began when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden truck.

Gunmen then opened fire, sparking a gun battle with troops.

The AP report says eight militants were also killed in the fighting.

Mosul has seen a series of attacks in recent months blamed on Al-Qaeda-linked Sunni militants.

In the neighboring province of Anbar, militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant continue to hold territory they seized at the start of the new year.

Iraq is preparing to hold elections April 30, in which Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is seeking a third consecutive term.
Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and AFP