ISIS have claimed responsibility for the car bomb that exploded near Camp Taji in Baghdad last night, close to where 106 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are stationed.

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee confirmed reports of an explosion in a statement after he had been informed of the attack.

"Open source reporting suggests the blast resulted in a number of casualties, however all New Zealand personnel at Taji are safe," Mr Brownlee said.

"Reports from Taji are that at 5.58pm New Zealand time a car bomb was detonated close to a checkpoint outside the south-western secure perimeter of the camp.

"It is estimated the blast occurred between two and three kilometres from where New Zealand and Australian troops are accommodated.