BAGHDAD — Iraq's prime minister says he has ordered the detention of several senior security officials in connection with a major jailbreak that saw hundreds of inmates escape, including members of al-Qaida.
The statement from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's office Saturday said those detained include the chief of staff of the federal police's fourth division, as well as other police, prison and intelligence officials.
The statement called the escape of inmates from the notorious Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad last Sunday a "grave matter." It says those who are found to be involved or to have neglected their duties should be punished.
Al-Qaida's Iraq arm has claimed responsibility for the audacious attack and a simultaneous raid at Taji prison on the outskirts of Baghdad that left dozens dead.
