Officials: 61 arrested for Iraq bombings

BAGHDAD, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Iraqi officials said Thursday that a total of 61 army and police officers were arrested in connection with recent bombings that claimed 155 lives.

The New York Times said Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta announced the arrests, but did not specify if the suspects stand accused of taking part in last Sunday's deadly bombings or for negligence in failing to stop the Baghdad attacks from occurring.

Hundreds of people were hurt and three government buildings were seriously damaged in the suicide bombings. The incidents also prompted harsh criticism and allegations of corruption regarding officers manning security checkpoints near the bombing sites.

The bombings marked the most deadliest coordinated attacks to take place in Iraq since 2007.

The Times said among those arrested in connection with the bombings were the chief and commander of a nearby police station. Those suspects, who were not identified, were detained along with officers from other Baghdad neighborhoods.