BAGHDAD, March 27 (UPI) -- Iraqi units arrested several militants, including a suspected arms dealer, and called in airstrikes against insurgents in Hillah, south of Baghdad, killing 60.

In arrests in western Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers captured two suspected criminals and uncovered a weapons cache of several assault rifles, explosively formed penetrators and rocket-propelled grenades, the U.S. military said in a news release.

In separate operations in Baghdad, Iraqi forces arrested an alleged al-Qaida member thought to be coordinating a network of suicide bombers.

In Hillah, located about 60 miles south of Baghdad, Iraqi forces responded to what the U.S. military said was "a military-style force" armed with assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades.

The Iraqi forces responded to the attacks, engaging the insurgents for several hours and forcing their retreat into a nearby mosque.