"Maliki purges security officials involved in operations against Iranian-backed militias..."

McClatchy's, here

"...Khalaf and Rikheef are well-known to Iraqis for their highly publicized involvement last year in major operations against Iranian-backed militias. They also are said to be close allies of Interior Minister Jawad al Bolani (...described as a close ally of the U.S. command in Baghdad...), who's expected to challenge Maliki in the January elections. Iraqi lawmakers charged that Maliki is trying to weaken Bolani and his allies as the campaign season begins and that Bolani himself might be removed if Maliki can muster enough legislative support. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad declined to comment on the matter, saying it was an internal Iraqi affair..."