The Iraqi Interior Ministry said Saturday (August 11th) that the names and pictures of 316 al-Qaeda-affiliated individuals have been distributed at checkpoints and main entrances to Iraqi cities in a move to tighten the noose on armed fighters.

Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Adel Dahham told Al-Shorfa that police across the country have begun using an electronic security system that contains the names and pictures of individuals wanted by the Iraqi judiciary in connection with terrorist crimes. The system links the ministry to checkpoints in all Iraqi cities.

Dahham said the new measure will facilitate the identification of al-Qaeda members. The fingerprints and main facial features of the wanted individuals will be compared to those of suspects at checkpoints and city entrances, he said.

Dahham said he believes the new step will lead to the arrest of more al-Qaeda fighters and restrict their movement among Iraqi cities and provinces.