Iraq: Suspected ISIS attack kills nine police officers in Kirkuk

At least nine Iraqi federal police officers were killed on Sunday after an improvised explosive device struck their convoy southwest of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, Reuters reported, citing local security sources.

The blast took place near the village of Safra, which lies about 30 km southwest of Kirkuk, said one of the sources, adding that two other policemen were severely injured.

A federal police officer told AFP that "a direct attack with small arms" followed the explosion.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered a hunt for the "terrorist elements" who carried out the attack, dispatching the federal police commander to the area for further investigation, his office said in a statement.

Iraqi police officers said Islamic State (ISIS) militants were involved in the attack, using roadside bombs to target the police force which was patrolling the area.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility by any group.