Iraqi forces take over 2 Baghdad intersections

6 wanted on criminal, “terrorist” charges arrested in Basra BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi security forces have received the security responsibilities of the intersections of al-Salihiya and Kadhimiya in a step to gain control over the entire capital Baghdad, a police chief in the Ministry of Interior said on Sunday. “There has been an improvement in the performance of Iraqi security forces. The Ministry of Interior has expelled bad elements, which was reflected in the security improvement,” Maj. Gen. Aiden Khaled Qadir said during a Baghdad-based press conference. Citing an 80 percent improvement in security conditions throughout the country, Qadir admitted a surge in criminal activities and bombings, which he said indicate “bankruptcy of armed groups’ financiers.” During the coming three months, the ministry will be able to raise security levels to a maximum by conducting a fingerprint plan, the official noted. According to Qadir, the ministry will by the only body authorized to guard voting centers during the provincial council elections, which are scheduled to take place by the end of the current year.   SS (P)/SR 1