Maliki sacks defense chief; Gates arrives

BAGHDAD, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki demoted the Baghdad security commander as the U.S. defense secretary arrived Thursday for a surprise visit.

The Iraq branch of al-Qaida claimed responsibility Thursday for four coordinated attacks that left at least 127 people dead. Baghdad blames elements of the deposed Baath Party for the attacks.

The Iraqi government made similar claims on attacks on several government buildings near the heavily fortified Green Zone on the morning of Aug. 19.

Maliki in response to the criticism on the security apparatus in his country announced he was demoting his Baghdad security commander, the Iraqi satellite news agency al-Sumaria reports.

Lawmakers had questioned top security commanders in the wake of the attacks on the government buildings. Maliki met with members of Parliament to discuss the security situation.

Interior Minister Jawad al-Boulani, meanwhile, blamed Maliki for the deteriorating security situation in the country, calling on the prime minister to dismantle the Baghdad Operations Command.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Baghdad on an unannounced visit to meet with U.S. troops and Iraqi leaders.

U.S. officials have expressed concern that instability would derail Washington's plans for a withdrawal as Iraq prepares for parliamentary elections in March.