ANBAR/ Aswat al-Iraq: Hundreds of demonstrators continued closing the international highway connecting Iraq with Syria and Jordan, escalating their move to head for Baghdad to express their rejection of "neglecting the Sunni sect".

Aswat al-Iraq correspondent reported that the highway was closed despite some drivers' attempts to continue their way.

A number of tribal sheikhs and clergymen took part in the demonstrations, who are surrounded, now, by security and army forces to prevent any form of arms conflicts, as the correspondent added.

The source told Aswat al-Iraq that the demonstrators called for the release of the bodyguards and all detainees at the interior ministry's prisons.

The closure of the international highway, leading to Jordan and Syria, created a state of chaos before the transport movement to the mid and southern parts of Iraq.

Security sources said yesterday that 10 of Finance Minister Issawi's bodyguards were arrested for terrorism actions.

Close circles of Issawi called for peaceful demonstrations in protest for these arrests.

Iraqiya bloc held yesterday a meeting to discuss the matter, stating severe criticism for Premier Nouri al-Maliki.