Iraqi officials said a suicide car bomber has struck a checkpoint in a town south of Baghdad, killing at least 11 people, the Associated Press reports.

A police officer said the bomber on Monday, Oct 27, rammed his explosives-laden car into the checkpoint manned by security forces and pro-government Shiite militiamen outside the Sunni town of Jurf al-Sakhar, 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Baghdad.

Iraqi soldiers, backed by the Shiite militia, on Sunday recaptured the town, which had been in the hands of Islamic State extremists since late July.

At least 11 people are believed to be killed and 23 others wounded.

Two medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they aren't authorized to talk to media, according to the AP.