Authorities in Iraq say a car bomb has exploded near a military base north of Baghdad, killing at least seven people and wounding 15, The Associated Press reported.

Police say the blast happened as Iraqi troops were leaving the base around midday in Taji, 20 kilometers (12 miles), north of the capital. They say three soldiers are among the dead.

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

Violence has ebbed in Iraq, but insurgent attacks are still frequent.

According to the latest data provided by Reuters, the death toll has already risen to 27.