DHAKA: At least 18 people have died after two roadside bombs struck a convoy carrying Iraqi families fleeing a town controlled by the so-called Islamic State in northern Iraq.

The bombs targeted a truck carrying people from Hawija, about 120km south of Islamic State’s stronghold in Mosul, as they were being taken to the town of Al Alam, next to the Tigris River.

RTE reported that 17 of the dead were from the displaced families, while a policeman in an accompanying patrol car was also killed.

Pictures published on social media by a group linked to Iraq's defense ministry showed several victims lying closed to the remains of the truck.

BDST: 1605 HRS, NOV 05, 2016
NJ/BD