Bombs strike checkpoint in western Iraq, killing 11 and wounding 22

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say two bombs have exploded near a checkpoint run by government-allied Sunni militiamen in western Iraq, killing at least 11 people.

Police say the blasts struck near a checkpoint run by Sahwa members in the village of Zangoura, south of the former insurgent stronghold of Ramadi, 115 kilometers (70 miles) west of Baghdad.

Police and hospital officials say 22 people were wounded in the attack.

All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Sahwa militiamen joined forces with U.S. troops to fight al-Qaida during the Iraq War. Since then, the group has been a target for Sunni insurgents who consider its members traitors.