Iraq News

Al Fadel region is still in the cycle of violence as Iraqi security forces have arrested a number of people after awakening council fighters clashed with policemen and soldiers in a battle that claimed the life of three people. Baghdad security spokesman Qassem Ata announced after police forces and army surrounded the region backed by tanks and US Forces that security forces arrested 14 wanted and seized quantities of weapons. He added that the operation has been carried out peacefully. Ata asserted that Adel Al Mashhadani is an outlaw and is accused of killing innocent people. In his turn, Cabinet spokesman Ali Al Dabbagh declared that these incidents do not mean that awakening councils are targeted. Al Dabbagh explained that the arrested is an outlaw and has been involved in terrorism and blackmail against Al Fadel residents who affirmed that they are relieved for Al Mashhadani’s arrest. “Al Mashadani was arrested under a warrant issued by the Iraqi government because he is suspected of ... crimes. He was not detained because of his involvement with the (Sahwa),” U.S. military spokesman Colonel Bill Buckner said. Meanwhile, Awakening Council leader Sheikh Ahmad Abu Risha blamed Al Fadel region fighters for breaking the law and using weapons against the government. Abu Risha urged awakening fighters and Iraqi security forces for self restraint in fear of threatening security attainments achieved so far.