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Top Iraqi official held in raid Top Iraqi official held in raid
(10 minutes later)
US and Iraqi forces 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, officials say.
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.
No reasons have so far been given for the detention. 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 Shia militant groups, which have been accused of taking part in rising sectarian violence. US troops have stepped up operations against both Sunni and Shia militants amid rising sectarian violence in Iraq.
In recent weeks US and Iraqi forces have particularly increased pressure on Mr Sadr's Mehdi Army militia.
Last month the US military said operations had led to 16 senior Mehdi Army members being detained and one commander being killed.