Iraqi forces hunt down al-Qaida

BAGHDAD, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Iraqi forces arrested close to a dozen insurgents linked to an al-Qaida-backed network specializing in improvised explosive devices, the U.S. military said.

The U.S. military reported that the 3rd Emergency Services Unit in the Iraq military arrested a suspect in Kirkuk city believed to be linked to a June 20 attack in the Shiite city of Taza in the northern province of Kirkuk.

The attack during midday prayers killed more than 70 people, prompting a swift response from Iraqi authorities.

In separate operations near Abu Ghraib just east of Baghdad, Iraqi security forces acting under the supervision of their U.S. military advisers arrested nine suspects allegedly linked to al-Qaida in Iraq.

Al-Qaida claimed responsibility for major attacks in Baghdad on Aug. 19 and Oct. 25 that killed hundreds of people in some of the worst violence in years.

The arrests come as Iraqi lawmakers deliberate over a national election law in preparation for parliamentary elections scheduled tentatively for Jan. 16.

U.S. military officials worry violence could escalate in Iraq following the January vote, putting a mandated deadline for a troop withdrawal in jeopardy.