BAGHDAD -- Officials said Iraqi forces have arrested 11 alleged Al-Qaeda members in connection with the recent deadly attacks in the southern city of Basra.
The city's police chief, Faisal al-Abadi, said at a news conference that Iraqi forces have "penetrated and dismantled Al-Qaeda in the south."
He said an operation carried out in coordination with intelligence services has targeted leaders of the so-called Southern State of Al-Qaeda terror organization.
A video played during the news conference showed alleged confessions of the detainees, in which they said they were responsible for the attacks, including one on January 14 against Shi'ite pilgrims that killed 53 people.
The city's police chief, Faisal al-Abadi, said at a news conference that Iraqi forces have "penetrated and dismantled Al-Qaeda in the south."
He said an operation carried out in coordination with intelligence services has targeted leaders of the so-called Southern State of Al-Qaeda terror organization.
A video played during the news conference showed alleged confessions of the detainees, in which they said they were responsible for the attacks, including one on January 14 against Shi'ite pilgrims that killed 53 people.