ANBAR/ Aswat al-Iraq: Police sources said here today that Ramadi tribes closed the international highway in protest for arresting the bodyguards of Finance Minister Rafi' al-Issawi.

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 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.