An Iraqi court has sentenced 15 suspected al-Qaida members to death for their roles in the 2006 massacre of 70 wedding party members.

The criminal court issued its sentence on Thursday for the militants, who were convicted of planning and carrying out the attack.

The attack, which took place north of Baghdad, was considered one of the most horrific acts of violence to occur during the height of Iraq's sectarian violence in 2006 and 2007.

The French news agency says the victims included the bride and groom as well as 15 children who were drowned in the Tigris.