Suicide bombers and gunmen attacked an Iraqi army barracks and police post at Abu Graib, on the western outskirts of Baghdad on Sunday. The attack left at least eight government soldiers dead as a result of the suicide blasts and the ensuing gunfight, authorities said.

'IS' reportedly detonated three car bombs at the site, some 15 miles (25 kilometers) from downtown Baghdad, close to the international airport.

Iraqi general Saad Harbiya, the commander of military operations in western Baghdad, said that authorities had imposed a local curfew and that the situation was "under control."

Abu Ghraib is the location of a prison with the same name where US troops committed notorious abuses against Iraqi detainees following the 2003 invasion of the country. It is located halfway between Baghdad and Fallujah, the city controlled by the 'IS.'

Hitting the Baghdad Shiite

Also on Sunday, two suicide bombers killed at least 31 people and wounded another 62 in Baghdad, hitting a crowded market place in the mainly Shiite district of Sadr City, sources within the emergency services said.

The assailants rode motorcycles through the crowd, according to two police sources cited by the Reuters news agency.

Reports suggest the second bomber waited for several minutes to detonate his charge in order to target the crowd rushing to the site.

The Sunni-dominated 'IS' claimed responsibility for the Sadr strike.

Officials have sealed off the area to prevent further attacks.

Sunday's bombings appear to be the deadliest attack to hit Baghdad since last year.

dj,mm/jlw (Reuters, AP, AFP)