IRAQ –A member of Iraqi parliament has been arrested in the western city of Ramadi by Iraqi forces.

The arrest of Ahmed al-Awlani, a member of the Sunni community, who had backed protests against the mainly Shia government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, led to the death of his brother and at least three of his guards

Police said Mr Awlani's guards opened fire as officers arrived to detain him.

Another 18 people were wounded in the ensuing skirmish.

A police major revealed to sources thus; “security forces attacked the residence of MP Ahmed al-Alwani in central Ramadi to arrest him this morning, sparking a battle with his guards with automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades."

"Five of Alwani's guards and his brother were killed and eight others wounded, while 10 security forces members were also wounded."