Five US soldiers have been killed in two attacks in Iraq on a day that violence claimed more than 25 lives across the country.

The violence comes despite an intensified security operation in the capital, Baghdad, and across Iraq.

Twelve people, including five police officers, died in a car bomb attack near Ramadi in western Anbar province.

A mortar attack in the Shia area of Abu Dishair in Baghdad killed one person and injured two, police told the BBC.

Other sources put the death toll as high as 11.

Leader's home

Three US soldiers on patrol were killed and two wounded by an "improvised explosive device" south-west of Baghdad on Monday, the US military said.

Two more US soldiers were killed and 17 others were wounded in a suicide attack on a "combat outpost" north of Baghdad.

The US has created these outposts in several districts as part of the new security plan.

The aim is for troops to live, work and conduct operations from these outposts rather than return to US military bases.

Two days ago, another two US soldiers were killed while on patrol in the capital as part of the new measures.

The bombing in Ramadi occurred outside the home of prominent Sunni leader Sattar al-Reshawi. He was not at home at the time.

At least eight people died in other blasts in Baghdad.

A child was also reported to have been shot dead in west Baghdad in an exchange of fire between police and gunmen.

On Sunday, two car bombs went off at a crowded Baghdad market leaving more than 60 people dead.

Iraqi police also say that, since Sunday, they have found 20 bodies with signs of torture at various locations around Baghdad.

Photo caption

US troops in Baghdad