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Iraqi army forces on Thursday arrested a key commander of armed groups in Babel, a security source said.

"Iraqi army captured a commander of the armed groups in al-Hashimiya, 30 km south Hilla, in clearing operation", a source in the Iraqi army second brigade, who requested anonmity, told Aswat al-Iraq-Voices of Iraq(VOI).

The source identified the commander as "Hamza al-Limbi".

He pointed out "the arrest came fololwing a intense clashes with gunmen, leaving casulaties among security forces", but provided no further details.

"The intensity of armed operations receded after capturing key of the group commanders".

Earlier, Hilla along with southern cities has seen intense fighting following the announcement of a major operation in Basra to crack down on Violnce

Hilla, the capital city of Babel province, lies 100 km south Baghdad