Iraqi authorities said Saturday they arrested all five members of an al-Qaeda-linked group allegedly plotting chemical attacks in country, Europe and North America, dpa reported.
"This terrorist cell plotted to target visitors in Iraq with chemical attacks by using remote-controlled toy planes," Defence Ministry spokesman Mohammed al-Askari told reporters.
"They had also a network to smuggle poisonous substances into neighbouring countries, Europe and North America."
He added that the five suspects had set up three facilities to produce hazardous chemicals, including sarin and mustard gasses.
The arrests followed cooperation between Iraqi and foreign intelligence services, al-Askari said.