Iraqi forces detain militants

KIRKUK, Iraq, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Iraqi forces detained several militants affiliated with the Ansar al-Sunna militant organization in Kirkuk amid raids on a telecommunications facility.

Iraqi security forces arrested a "terrorist network" loyal to the Sunni militant group Ansar al-Sunna with the help of Kurdish security personnel in northern Iraq, al-Sumaria said Thursday.

Ansar al-Sunna is an umbrella organization comprising former members of the Kurdish opposition group, Ansar al-Islam.

U.S. and Iraqi forces also raided the offices of the telecommunications company Zain, arresting several employees and confiscating equipment for undisclosed reasons.

Al-Sumaria said this is the second raid on Zain facilities in January.

Iraq security officials also reported responding to several attacks targeting Iraqis and members of the Anbar Awakening Council.