BAGHDAD -- Iraqi military officials say at least 40 people have been killed in a suicide car bombing in a market place in the country's eastern Diyala province.

 

The officials say the victims, mostly civilians, were gathered in celebration of the holiday Friday marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

 

The officials say at least 40 people were also wounded in the attack in the town of Khan Beni Saad. Hospital officials confirmed the tolls. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press.

 

Parts of Diyala were captured by the Islamic State group last year. Iraqi forces and Kurdish fighters since took the areas back, but clashes between the militants and the security forces continue in the province.