'Massive' al-Qaida clearing operation soon

MOSUL, Iraq, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- The Iraqi prime minister announced details of a massive effort to drive al-Qaida operatives out of the northern provinces.

The deputy governor of Ninawa province, Khasraw Goran, confirmed the security plans to "impose law" in Mosul and drive out insurgent elements, the Kurdish Globe reported Thursday.

"Because the situation in Mosul is different from the other Iraqi provinces, the campaign to rid it of gunmen requires massive effort and preparation," Goran said at a news briefing.

Iraqi officials said the 2nd and 3rd divisions of the Iraqi army, as well as Iraqi police and Kurdish forces, will carry out the operations.

Goran also stated that Baghdad plans to recruit some 6,000 police for roles in the Mosul operation, and all provincial ministers will be briefed on the situation.

Iraqi forces conducted several raids in the north alongside U.S. forces.

Several al-Qaida in Iraq suspects were detained by Iraqi forces this week, and the U.S. military reported that Iraqi special forces troops arrested a suspect in Mosul believed to be behind several roadside bomb attacks against Iraqi security forces in the area.