Baghdad: Iraqi authorities say a double bombing has killed a soldier and his entire family in their home in a town north of the capital.

Police officials say the two early Saturday blasts in Muqdadiyah destroyed the entire house as the soldier, his wife, his two daughters and two sons were sleeping.

Muqdadiyah is about 90km north of Baghdad.

Hospital officials confirmed the casualties. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to release the information to reporters.

Members of Iraqi security forces are a favourite target for Sunni insurgents who are attempting to undermine the Shiite-led government.