The state-run al-Iraqia TV quoted an Interior Ministry spokesman as saying that the 2nd Brigade of the Iraqi security forces clashed with a group of "terrorists" in the Jesr Diyala area in southeastern Baghdad, killing 53 militants and detaining 16 others.

Earlier, a news reaching here said that the "terrorists" are from Iraq's al-Qaida, which was not confirmed by Iraqi official yet.

Apart from the detained suspected terrorists, 11 trucks loaded with heavy weapons were also seized by the security forces, the television added.

The incident came a day before a verdict in Saddam Hussein's first trial for crimes against humanity is expected to be given by Iraqi High Tribunal.

The verdict due on Sunday is believed to bring more sectarian violence to the war-torn country.