Iraqi officials say troops arrested a Sunni lawmaker sought on terrorism charges and killed his brother and three guards after they opened fire on the officers.

A police official says military and security forces arrived at dawn Saturday at the home of Ahmed al-Alwani, a prominent leader of Sunni protests against Iraq's Shia-led government.

The official says al-Alwani's guards opened fire and the shootout in the western city of Ramadi lasted nearly an hour.

Twelve guards and four soldiers were wounded.

Al-Alwani is also sought on terrorism charges for inciting violence against Shias who came to power after the 2003 US-led invasion that ended Saddam Hussein's Sunni-led regime.

A medical official confirmed the casualty figures.

Both spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to talk to media.

Source: AP