AQI elements nabbed in Karbala – minister

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Security forces arrested in Karbala a number of operatives affiliated with Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) Organization, National Security Minister Sherwan al-Waeli said on Monday. “The operation took place at a checkpoint in northern Karbala city relying on intelligence tip off,” al-Waeli said in a press conference in Karbala attended by IraqiNews.com news agency. He said that the arrested AQI operatives were attempting to launch attacks during a Shiite occasion in the city. “Interrogation is underway with the operatives,” al-Waeli said. Earlier, national security minister arrived in Karbala to supervise the city’s security plan during Shiite occasion. Karbala Provincial Media Director Abdulameer al-Kinani told IraqiNews.com news agency on Monday that Minister Sherwan al-Waeli had a series of meetings with the province’s officials and security commanders. Al-Kinani said that al-Waeli is in Karbala after orders from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The holy city of Karbala lies 110 km southwest of Baghdad. MH (P) / SS 2