BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials say gunmen wearing military uniforms have killed seven anti-al-Qaida militiamen in an attack in a town north of Baghdad.

Police officials say gunmen asked a local anti-al-Qaida militia leader in Tuz Khormato to accompany them to a checkpoint manned by a pro-government group, known as Sahwa, for questioning early Friday. After reaching at the checkpoint, the gunmen overpowered the leader and his men and then executed them.

Medics in nearby hospital confirmed the casualties. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to brief reporters.

Sahwa militiamen joined forces with U.S. troops to fight al-Qaida during the Iraq war. Ever since then, the group has been a target for Sunni insurgents who consider its members traitors.