Iraqi military operation running smoothly

BAQUBA, Iraq, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A spokesman for the ongoing Iraqi military operation in Diyala governorate says the troops have encountered no resistance to date.

Diyala operations spokesman Shawkat Ahmad said Saturday for the fifth day in a row, the military operation has gone unimpeded in the eastern region, Alsumaria reported.

Ahmad also announced that seven terror suspects had been arrested, including three apprehended in Baquba.

Meanwhile, Iraqi forces arrested 56 more suspects in Baquba's al-Muallimin and al-Tahrir districts, as well as portions of the al-Miqdadiya district.

Alsumaria said the raids were part of a major crackdown on al-Qaida forces in the al-Muradiya region, where the militant group has maintained a stronghold.

The Iraqi TV network said an explosion in Kirkuk killed three soldiers and wounded two others.

Meanwhile, in Salah Din province, four gunmen were killed during a clash with Iraqi security forces.

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