Iraqi authorities say insurgents have gunned down three soldiers at a checkpoint near the country's capital.

Police officials said that the early Saturday shooting took place in Taji, 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Baghdad, and two other soldiers were wounded.

Medics in a nearby hospital confirmed the casualties. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Violence has ebbed in Iraq, but insurgent attacks are still frequent.