Iraq largely free of foreign fighters: police

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

BAQUBA, Iraq (AFP) — Counter-offensives by the security forces over the past year have largely rid Iraq of foreign fighters recruited by insurgent groups such as Al-Qaeda, a top police commander said on Monday.

"Arab fighters have left Iraq and we are done with them," interior ministry spokesman Major General Abdel Karim Khalaf told AFP.

"Before, there were dozens and Diyala was one of their strongholds," said Khalaf who is also acting police chief for Diyala, a province northeast of Baghdad that has long been regarded as an Al-Qaeda stronghold.

"The reason behind this is security in the country and the growing strength of the state," he said.

"Now there is no possibility that insurgent fighters can control one government office as they used to do in...