Iraqi security forces inspect the scene of an attack on their checkpoint in Baghdad. Photo / AP

Iraqi security forces inspect the scene of an attack on their checkpoint in Baghdad. Photo / AP

BAGHDAD - Militants flew an al Qaeda flag over a Baghdad neighbourhood yesterday after killing 16 security officials and burning some of their bodies in a brazen afternoon attack that served as a grim reminder of continued insurgent strength in Iraq's capital.

It was the bloodiest attack in a day that included the deaths of 23 Iraqi soldiers, policemen and other security forces across the country who were targeted by shootings and roadside bombs.

The mayhem serves as a stark warning that insurgents are trying to make a comeback three months after their two top leaders were killed in an airstrike on their safehouse, and as the United States military presence decreases day by day.

The complex attack began when militants struck a checkpoint in the largely Sunni neighbourhood of Azamiyah, once a stronghold of insurgents that in recent years has become more peaceful.

Then the militants set it on fire, burning several of the soldiers' bodies, according to an Army officer who was on patrol in the neighbourhood. Minutes later, attackers detonated three roadside bombs nearby.

Hospital, police and military officials all confirmed the death toll.

A large pool of blood and what appeared to be char marks could be seen on the ground near an Iraqi Army truck. Authorities immediately sealed off the area. Police and army officials said between 16 and 20 assailants took part in the highly orchestrated attack; all appeared to have escaped.

Officials in Azamiyah said the provocative flag-planting and bold attack are part of an attempt by the terror group to once again infiltrate the Sunni neighbourhood.

"Al Qaeda is trying their best to return to Iraq or to Azamiyah because they have no existence here now," said a member of the Azamiyah provincial council, Haitham al-Azami. "Al Qaeda, by this act intends to pretend that they have an existence and to show their muscles."

The daylight attack was the boldest move by militants since their commando-style assault on the central bank in June that left 26 people dead during morning rush hour.

- AP