Iraqi FM hints at inside help for bombers

BAGHDAD, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Saturday the bombers who attacked his country's foreign and finance ministries may have had inside help.

Appearing at a Foreign Ministry news conference Saturday, Zebari said members of Iraqi security forces may have offered assistance to those responsible for the recent bombings that killed nearly 100 people and injured more than 500, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"Those who executed the operation were helped by others. They had security and logistics assistance," Zebari said. "I don't rule out that there is collusion by the government security apparatus."

Zebari's comments came a day after the Iraqi government announced it had suspects in custody in Wednesday's deadly bombings in Baghdad.

The unidentified suspects are thought to be members of a network loyal to the former Baath Party of deposed and executed Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein, the Times said.

The U.S. newspaper said since the bombings, there has been increased political pressure to arrest those responsible and overhaul Iraq's security measures to prevent similar attacks.