Suspects arrested

US AND Iraqi forces arrested suspected suicide bombers and others during targeted sweeps in the 72 hours leading up to last weekend’s provincial elections, the top US commander Maj Gen Jeffery Hammond said yesterday.

Only one violent incident — a shooting at a checkpoint — was reported in Baghdad on the day of the balloting.

US President Barack Obama welcomed the peaceful outcome hinting that a substantial number could return home within a year.

Violence has fallen more than 80% around Iraq since its peak more than a year ago. The US military acknowledges the improved security conditions remain fragile.