50 suspects detained in Iraqi police operation


dpa German Press Agency
Published: Thursday February 1, 2007

Baghdad- Police in Iraq on Thursday arrested 50 Arabs and
Kurds suspected of attacking pilgrims in the town of Khanaqin during
the Shiite festival of Ashura, an Iraqi police source said.
"The Iraqi police forces in Khanaqin launched a campaign at dawn
arresting 50 suspects, seizing several arms caches and explosives
that they possessed," said Edris Mawloud, Khaniqin sheriff.

The police action follows a blast targeting a Shiite procession
during the Ashura festival Tuesday in Khanaqin, 180 kilometres
north-west of Baghdad, killing about 13 Shiite pilgrims and wounding
more than 23 others.

Khanaqin is located on the Iraqi-Iranian border.

© 2006 - dpa German Press Agency