The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Baquba

An explosives-filled tractor exploded in a restive region of Iraq's Diyala province on Monday, killing at least seven members of a local anti-Qaeda group, a police officer and a medic told AFP.

The tractor was parked by the side of road in the village of Wais, 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Baquba, the capital of Diyala, the officer said. It exploded when a patrol of a group that fights Al-Qaeda militants was passing, he said. Doctor Yusuf Abdullah at a hospital in the nearby town of Khanaqin confirmed the casualties had been brought in.

The police officer said eight others were wounded, including five members of the anti-Qaeda group.