The Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a militant attack on a group of Iranian pipeline workers northeast of the Iraqi capital Baghdad

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a militant attack on a group of Iranian pipeline workers northeast of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, which killed at least 15 Iranian nationals.

In a statement issued late on Friday, the Foreign Ministry expressed condolences over the tragic incident and offered sympathy with the families of the victims.

It also said that an investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances of the terrorist act.

Earlier in the day, masked gunmen shot dead 18 people near the village of Balad Ruz, situated 90 kilometers (55 miles) northeast of Baghdad.

The assault killed 15 Iranians and three Iraqis, and wounded five Iranians and three Iraqis.