BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces hunted for militants and weapons in the Baghdad area yesterday, while attacks killed six people, including three soldiers and a judge, officials said.
Iraqi authorities are struggling to contain the worst violence to hit the country in five years. About one thousand people died in attacks last month.
The defence ministry said security forces arrested 32 people wanted under an anti-terrorism law and detained a further 141 suspects over a period of 24 hours, during operation “Avenge the Martyrs” in areas north and west of Baghdad.
They also destroyed three “terrorist hideouts” and seized a car bomb factory, weapons, ammunition and explosives, a ministry statement said, adding that similar operations were conducted in other areas. But more deadly attacks, which security forces have so far failed to stem, struck yesterday. In the northern province of Nineveh, a roadside bomb exploded near an army patrol, killing three soldiers. The blast, about 60 kilometres south of the provincial capital Mosul, also wounded four soldiers. AFP
