BAGHDAD
Iraq's PM Nouri al-Maliki called on the anti-government protesters in Al Anbar province on Sunday to leave the town squares which turned into Al Qaeda hubs.
Speaking to the official broadcaster Al Iraqiya, Maliki said Al Qaeda militants were active in the avenues where demonstrations against his government were being held.
Maliki called on the protesters to leave the avenues to enable the government forces to carry out operations targeting terrorists.
"We are fighting against terrorism, against Al Qaeda; demonstrators should leave the squares if they do not want to be a part of Al Qaeda," Maliki said.
Anti-government demonstrations have been held since last year in Iraq's largely Sunni-populated provinces such as Al Anbar, Kirkuk, Diyala, Saladin, and some parts of Baghdad.
Fifteen security officials had been killed Saturday when militants affiliated with Al Qaeda detonated a large hand-made bomb during a government crackdown against them.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
