Iraqi security forces on Tuesday (January 16th) arrested the "emir of al-Qaeda in al-Mansouriyah", northeast of Diyala province's capital of Baqubah, officials said.

Interior Ministry spokesman Col. Saad Maan said security personnel raided a hideout used by Maytham Qassim and his aides after local tribal chiefs gave authorities information about their location.

Qassim and his three aides "are dangerous al-Qaeda elements", Maan said, adding that security forces also found explosives, light weapons and sophisticated sniper rifles in the detainees' possession.