Gunmen open fire on Iraq soldiers

Gunmen opened fire at a checkpoint in northern Iraq overnight, killing at least six Iraqi soldiers and three policemen, the US and Iraq have said.

The attack took place near the city of Tikrit at 0130 (2230 on Wednesday).

At least 400 people have been killed in Iraq in the eight days to Wednesday, following the bombing of one of the country's holiest Shia shrines.

On Tuesday, a US military intelligence chief said further violence could have a "significant impact" on the country.