Islamic State (IS) militants have shot dead 30 Sunni Arab tribesmen in a town west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, local officials say.

The killings reportedly took place in Hit, in Anbar province, which fell to the jihadist group earlier this month.

Residents said the men were paraded through the streets before being shot.

They belonged to the Al Bu Nimr tribe, which has allied with Iraqi government forces attempting to seize back territory claimed by IS since January.

Correspondents say the killings are most likely aimed at discouraging resistance from powerful local tribes, who will be key to any successful bid to retake Anbar province.

Islamic State militants have killed hundreds in the large areas of Iraq and neighbouring Syria they control.

BBC