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Top Iraqi official held in raid Top Iraqi official held in raid
(20 minutes later)
US forces in Iraq have raided the health ministry building in Baghdad and detained the deputy health minister, officials say. US forces in Iraq have raided the health ministry building in Baghdad and detained the deputy Health Minister.
The minister, Hakem al-Zamili, is a key member of the political group led by radical Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr.The minister, Hakem al-Zamili, is a key member of the political group led by radical Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr.
He is accused of aiding Shia militiamen and using ambulances to move weapons, a ministry source told the BBC.He is accused of aiding Shia militiamen and using ambulances to move weapons, a ministry source told the BBC.
US troops have stepped up operations against both Sunni and Shia militants amid rising sectarian violence in Iraq. US and Iraqi troops have been trying to curb sectarian attacks in Iraq. The latest raid came as a car bomb killed at least 10 people south of Baghdad.
In recent weeks US and Iraqi forces have particularly increased pressure on Mr Sadr's Mehdi Army militia. A parked car bomb struck a market in the predominantly Shia town of al-Aziziya, also wounding dozens of people.
Last month the US military said operations had led to 16 senior Mehdi Army members being detained and one commander being killed. US and Iraqi forces have announced a major offensive in the Baghdad area, aimed at ending spiralling violence by Sunni and Shia militants.
Last month the US military said operations had led to 16 key members of Mr Sadr's Mehdi Army militia being detained and one commander being killed.