Suicide bombing in Iraq leaves 41 dead, more than 100 wounded

Iraqi officials say the death toll from a suicide bombing at a soccer stadium that was claimed by the Islamic State group has climbed to 41, with another 105 people wounded.

Security and public health officials provided the updated toll on Saturday.

The bombing took place Friday during a match in the small stadium in the city of Iskanderiyah, 50 kilometres from the capital, Baghdad. ISIS claimed the attack, saying it had targeted Shia militiamen.

A suicide bomber blew himself up on the soccer field as trophies were being presented after a local tournament.

The extremist group has lost ground in recent months in Iraq and Syria, but has struck back with a series of large attacks targeting civilians. ISIS claimed this week's attacks in Brussels, which killed 31 people.