A group of unknown gunmen have shot and killed the mayor of Karbala on Tuesday, local Iraqi media have reported.

Abir Salim, the Mayor of Karbala was on an inspection visit to the Mualemchi district in the city where unknown gunmen opened fire on him, according to local Iraqi media.

The armed men reportedly shot three bullets at him.

The mayor was immediately taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to death due to his critical wounds.