Iraq: Forces capture al-Qaida suspects

BAGHDAD, March 19 (UPI) -- U.S. forces detained 17 terror suspects while searching for al-Qaida in Iraq leader in the Tigris River Valley, U.S. military officials said Wednesday.

Meanwhile in Baghdad, forces reportedly captured an al-Qaida operative thought to be a member of a group that distributed parts for explosive devices throughout the country.

In northern Iraq, U.S. military officials said force detained four suspects with alleged ties to terror group leaders in the region.