Iraqi officials say assailants opened automatic fire on a police checkpoint south of Baghdad, killing two officers and wounding four.

A police officer says the attackers were in two speeding cars when they sprayed the checkpoint with machinegun fire early on Wednesday in the town of Musayyib, about 40 miles (60 kilometers) south of Baghdad.

A hospital official confirmed the casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to the media.

Security forces are frequently targeted by insurgents seeking to undermine government efforts to restore security after years of strife.

Despite a significant drop in violence since the height of insurgency several years ago, militants still launch lethal attacks almost daily.