LOC15:01
12:01 GMT
By Mohammad Al-Ghazzi
BAGHDAD, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- Iraqi authorities detained three members of
Al-Qaeda organization who were involved in recent bombing attacks that
targeted popular markets in the town of Al-Hilla, the official spokesman of
the defense ministry said on Friday.
Major General Mohammad Al-Askari said in a statement to KUNA the trio were
nabbed as part of a security operation that targeted specific hideouts in
regions located north of Babel.
The campaign targeted elements suspected in recent bombing attacks that
occurred in Al-Musayeb, Al-Hawah and Al-Iskanderia.
The three activists are members of a seven-man terrorist cell, Maj. Gen.
Al-Askari said, adding that the hunt for the four others was proceeding.
Up to 87 suspects have been detained since start of the wide-scale mop-up
operation, the major general added.
Iraq has witnessed a wave of recent fiery bomb blasts that claimed scores
of lives, in what appeared to be renewed challenge to the state efforts to
take over security responsibilities from the allied forces following their
prospected pullout from the country.
The government has vowed to carry on with efforts to defeat the insurgency,
challenging its authority.
The insurgents are said to include Islamic fundementalists and Baathists.
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