Dozens killed in Iraq bombing claimed by Islamic State group

HILLAH, Iraq — A suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden fuel truck into a security checkpoint south of Baghdad, killing at least 47 people and wounding dozens Sunday, officials said.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bombing in an online statement circulated by supporters.

Islamic State has carried out scores of suicide bombings against security forces and the country’s Shiite majority.

The attacks follow a string of advances by Iraqi forces backed by U.S.-led air strikes, including in the western city of Ramadi, which was declared fully liberated by Iraqi and U.S.-led coalition officials last month.