IS kills scores in Iraq's worst truck-bombing attack this year

At least 47 people have been killed in a truck bomb attack at a crowded checkpoint outside the city of Hilla, south of Baghdad, in the worst such attack in Iraq this year.

Pictures posted on social media showed vast destruction around the checkpoint on Sunday, where cars are usually queued to be checked by security personnel.

A doctor at Hilla hospital put the number of people killed by the blast at 47, including around 20 members of the security forces, and said at least 72 people were also wounded.

Local politicians and police officers confirmed the casualty toll, the heaviest from any car bomb attack in Iraq this year.

The Islamic State (IS) group claimed the attack on social media, naming the bomber as "Abu Islam al-Ansari".

The group's statement said "the battle has just begun and that the worst is yet to come".

The Hilla hospital doctor said at least 11 of the wounded were in a very serious condition.

Hilla is the capital of the province of Babylon, a predominantly Shia region with some Sunni presence.

IS has not had fixed positions south of Baghdad since security forces and allied militias began their fight back against the group in late 2014.

Hilla has been a regular target. A March 2014 suicide bombing at a checkpoint on the outskirts of the city killed 50 people and wounded more than 150.