Iraq detains 109 in jail break investigation

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Source: AP

BAGHDAD — More than 100 prison officials and guards have been detained after 16 prisoners, including five al-Qaida-linked inmates awaiting execution, made a stunning jailbreak in Saddam Hussein's hometown, a police commander said Friday.

The escape from the makeshift prison in Tikrit was the latest in a string of embarrassing security lapses in Iraq, raising questions about the country's ability to ensure its own security ahead of a planned U.S. withdrawal at the end of 2011.

The entire staff of the jail, including the provincial prison director, have been detained for questioning as part of the investigation into the escape, said police Lt. Col. Ahmed al-Fahal, the director of the anti-riot department for Salahuddin province.

Al-Fahal said that six of the escaped convicts, including three of the al-Qaida linked inmates, had been arrested by late Friday. Security forces continued the manhunt for the remaining fugitives, with the help of U.S. aerial surveillance.

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