Iraqi officials say at least 47 people were killed and dozens more injured by a suicide car-bomb attack near the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on March 6.

Police say the attacker struck a crowded checkpoint at one of the entrances to the city of Hillah, south of Baghdad.

The Islamic State (IS) extremist group claimed responsibility for the bombing.

A local security official told Reuters that "it's the largest bombing in Hilla Province to date."

A police officer was quoted by the Associated Press as saying 39 civilians were among the dead, while the rest were members of security forces.

More than 60 others were wounded and nearly 50 cars were damaged, the officer said on condition of anonymity.

Hospital sources confirmed the casualty figures.

The United Nations says at least 670 Iraqis were killed last month in ongoing violence, including a string of suicide bombings in and outside Baghdad, all claimed by IS militants.

Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters