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.