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Iraqi Minister announces arrest of leader in Yamani militant group

BAGHDAD, Jan 26 (KUNA) -- National Security Minister Shirwan Al-Waili announced Saturday that a leader for the Yamami militant group was arrested during a military operation near Baghdad.
Al-Waili said that on last Friday afternoon Mohammad Hassan Al-Herishawi was arrested in the southern suburb of Baghdad while he was heading to Najaf city, affirming that the arrest might provide information which would ultimately lead to the capture of the group's other leaders.
Spokesman for the Iraqi government Ali Al-Dabbagh stated Friday that the government was now considering the militias of Mahdi group in Basra and Nasseriya as outlaw movements, revealing that members of these groups would be arrested.
Meanwhile, another spokesman also revealed that the Iraqi Interior Ministry arrested about 378 members of the Yamani group in Basra and Thee Gar, adding that about 90 members were either killed or injured during clashes with the police.
On other developments, Minister Al-Waili revealed that 14 gunmen, posing as policemen, were arrested in the center of the capital city Baghdad.
He revealed that the gunmen were disguising themselves as policemen and military personnel. The gunmen were responsible for numerous terrorist acts. (end) mhg.gta KUNA 262005 Jan 08NNNN