The US military in Iraq has said four militants have been killed during operations against bombing networks run by al-Qaeda in Iraq.

One of those killed in a clash just north of Baghdad, is said to have been involved in weapons smuggling.

Earlier, the US military said 12 al-Qaeda members were arrested in continuing operations in Mosul.

One of those held is accused of overseeing attacks in Mosul itself and in the western Anbar province.

Another is said to have been involved in planning car bombings in Mosul.

Iraqi and American forces say Mosul is the last major urban stronghold of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Meanwhile, American-backed Iraqi security forces are continuing a big operation they say is targeting Shia militiamen and criminal groups in the southern city of Amara.

Operations in the city involve US and Iraqi forces going house to house in search of weapons.

Reports say five provincial council officials representing the movement led by Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr have been arrested for aiding militias.

This follows the arrest on Thursday of Amara's mayor, Rafi Abdul Jabbar, among others. He is also a supporter of Moqtada Sadr.

(BBC)

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