Officials: Attacks Kill 8 People in Iraq - ABC News

Authorities in Iraq say shootings and bombings targeting security forces have killed eight people in northern Iraq.

Police officials say that the deadliest attack occurred Friday afternoon when gunmen opened fire on an army checkpoint near the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, killing five soldiers. Officials say two police officers were killed when a roadside bomb exploded by their car on a road near the northern city of Mosul. In another attack in Mosul, authorities say gunmen killed an officer at a checkpoint.

Medical officials confirmed the death toll for all attacks. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Violence has been on the rise in Iraq during the past few months. Security forces are a favorite target for insurgents.