(KUNA) -- A number of Iraqis were killed an many others were wounded Saturday in spite of the ongoing Iraq security plan by the government which went into its fourth phase today. The Iraqi Defense Ministry said in a statement that the forces arrested 122 insurgents and killed three others during several operations. Despite of the security plan conducted by the Iraqi forces, 39 Iraqis were killed and 149 were injured in a wave of insurgent attacks in Iraq.The bloodiest attacks conducted by the insurgents were in Dhora neighborhood in southern Baghdad and Al-Harag market in the city. A booby-trapped car that exploded in Dhora neighborhood resulted in the death of 12 civilians and the injury of 38 others, while in Al-Harag market, that was targeted with mortars shells, four Iraqis were killed and 24 others were wounded in the attack. Meanwhile, the Iraq police said 18 dead bodies were found in several parts of Baghdad, including an area adjacent to the Tigris River.
Iraqi security officials said that the increasing number of attacks by insurgents only reflects their desperation while the security plan is working. The security plan involves 95 patrol units, the officials said, adding that 130 security checkpoints have been erected as part of the plan. A police source in the northern city of Mosul said a policeman and an officer were killed in an armed clash with police in the center of the city. The armed clash broke out in the Al-Thora district between the unidentified gunmen and a police patrol.
The source said the police foiled an escape bid by Ayman Sabaawi, nephew of the ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, from Badoush prison. He made the futile bid along with 12 other inmates.