Iraqi security forces on Wednesday (December 19th) arrested 20 men suspected of various terrorist activities in Ninawa province, the Iraqi Defence Ministry said.

Ministry spokesperson Col. Dhia al-Wakeel told Al-Shorfa the suspects were arrested as part of "Operation Freedom", which began Tuesday (December 18th) in al-Baaj.

Security personnel seized arms and ammunition found in the detainees' possession during raids on the buildings where the men were staying, he said.