DHAKA: Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) jihadist fighters killed at least 23 Iraqi soldiers and members of allied Shia militia in a flashpoint area south of Baghdad.

Iraq army sources said on Saturday, reports The Straits Times.

ISIS militants firing salvos of mortar rounds began attacking the town of Jurf al-Sakhr late Friday, killing 11 soldiers and 12 members of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, an officer and army medic said.

Another seven soldiers were wounded during a subsequent government operation against jihadist fighters in Jurf al-Sakhr, Al-Hamya and Latifiya, the sources said.

BDST: 1827 HRS, AUG 02, 2014