BAGHDAD , Iraq ( CNN ) -- Iraqi Security Forces captured 66 people believed to be connected to al Qaeda in Iraq terror cells , the U.S. military said Thursday . Members of the Iraqi Security Forces are working in Iraq to capture terrorists and insurgents . The suspects were captured during separate operations in northern Iraq this week , according to a military news release . The suspects included 45 men from al Qaeda in Iraq and 21 suspected terrorists from an umbrella group of al Qaeda in Iraq known as The Islamic State of Iraq , the statement said . The suspects are believed to be part of terror cells responsible for bombings , torturing of civilians , conducting attacks and warning insurgents about upcoming Iraqi and U.S. military operations , the military said . One of the suspects is believed to have conducted more than 12 attacks since July . `` These operations show the ability of Iraqi Security Forces to repeatedly capture criminals who undermine the security of Iraq , '' said Lt. Col. Neil Harper , a U.S. military spokesman .
Suspects blamed for bombings , civilian torture , warning insurgents about operations . Suspects include more than 12 men from al Qaeda in the Islamic State of Iraq , 45 from the Islamic State of Iraq . more than 12 of the suspects is believed to have conducted One attacks since July .