Vice President Joe Biden made an unannounced trip to Iraq to encourage officials to end an impasse preventing a new prime minister from taking office. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki met Biden, but separately also met with a congressional committee to reassure them of progress in that selection. Also, at least four Iraqis were wounded in light violence.
In Mosul, a policeman was injured in a blast. Three Naqshabandiya Army members were captured.
In Baquba, three policemen were wounded as they attempted to defuse a bomb. A prosecutor ordered a key Iraqiya leader and another key member released over a lack of evidence after the pair spent a month in detention.
Police near Hilla liberated a 15-year-old girl who was a kidnap victim.
Rockets and mortars were found in a cache hidden west of Karbala.
Eleven suspects were detained in Basra.
Seven men suspected of involvement in jewelry stores and money exchanges in Fallujah were arrested.
