The Iraqi Interior Ministry said Thursday (March 8th) that an al-Qaeda leader was arrested in a security operation in Wasit province.

"In cooperation with the al-Rasafa intelligence directorate in Baghdad and the Wasit police department, a federal police force in Wasit province carried out a security operation that led to the arrest of the so-called al-Qaeda's affiliated 'emir of al-Rasafa' who carried out terrorist operations in Baghdad," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement noted that the suspect was arrested according to the anti-terrorism law.

Security forces found a car bomb set for detonation, as well as quantities of weapons, ammunitions and explosives in the detainee's possession.