DHAKA: At least four people have been killed as a car bomb targeted a government building in the Iraqi Kurdish capital, Irbil.

The local Rudaw news network reports, the BBC says.

The blast, accompanied by gunfire, was reported outside the governor’s office, close to the historic citadel in the city centre.

Iraqi Kurdish forces are battling an advance by Islamic State (IS) militants - but Irbil, an oil hub, has largely avoided major attacks.

The city has a reputation as a safe base for foreigners in the region.

BDST: 1607 HRS, NOV 19, 2014