Iraqi security forces target al-Qaida

BAGHDAD, March 7 (UPI) -- Iraqi security forces uncovered a variety of weapons caches in operations near Baghdad as operations targeting al-Qaida operatives increase.

The grassroots security force Sons of Iraq found two weapons caches in areas just south of the Iraqi capital.

The cache consisted of several rocket-propelled bombs, materials used to manufacture roadside bombs and several rounds of ammunition.

The Sons of Iraq in Arab Jabour, southeast of Baghdad, uncovered four separate weapons caches including several rockets and explosives.

The Iraqi police force operating in the town of Jabellah, south of Iskandariyah, also uncovered several weapons caches during a house-to-house search.

On the al-Qaida front, Iraqi security forces and the Sons of Iraq units in Baghdad captured four suspected members of al-Qaida in Iraq in a raid, Multi-National Forces-Iraq said.

U.S.-led forces operating in Samara, located about 70 miles north of Baghdad, captured the alleged leader of the al-Qaida in Iraq network operating in the area.

The U.S. military said the northern al-Qaida network supports weapons trafficking in the area and backs foreign militants.