Iraqi security forces arrested 12 terrorist suspects in security operations launched in Baghdad and Ninawa provinces, officials announced Friday (December 2nd).

In Baghdad, Iraqi Ministry of Defence official spokesperson Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari told Al-Shorfa that a military unit attacked two buildings in al-Yusufiya believed to be hideouts for al-Qaeda terrorists.

"The military force arrested four terrorists in the area," al-Askari said. "Fifty-two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two explosives vests and seven Grad missiles were found in their possession."

Al-Askari said the raiding force dismantled the explosives vests and moved the explosives to a secure place.

In Ninawa, security forces arrested eight people described as members of al-Qaeda, Ninawa police command spokesperson Lt. Col. Abdul Rahim al-Atwani said.

"A unit of the Iraqi army's second infantry division, seventh brigade, launched a military operation Friday morning in the Rabia desert, south of Mosul, and found a mud brick house containing a full cell affiliated to the al-Qaeda terrorist organization," he told Al-Shorfa.

"The terrorists were arrested, and their weapons, explosives weighing 570 kilograms and one car bomb, were seized."