Wednesday, February 14, 2007
al-maliki announces security plan, security forces step up presence in Baghdad
Security
(Voices of Iraq, AFP) Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said on Tuesday that the Baghdad police commander is expected to announce the details of the new security plan to be applied in the Iraqi capital. Maliki, who is currently on a visit to the university in Babel province, 100 km south of Baghdad, to meet with the officials and teaching staff, said "the plan will be in effect this week."
He indicated that "there would be no curfews and life will be normal and people may practice their activities normally." There, however, will be wide-scale deployment of police forces in the streets to maintain security ins the capital, added Maliki.
More security forces were deployed in the Iraqi capital Baghdad as a number of main streets in the area of al-Rasafa were sealed off on Tuesday morning, eyewitnesses said. "Security forces set up checkpoints on most of the main roads in Rasafa and bridges suffered traffic congestions due to the numerous barricades," an eyewitness told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
U.S. warplanes kept hovering in the skies of Baghdad since Monday night and until Tuesday morning, the eyewitness added. Baghdad has been witnessing wide-scale deployments of Iraqi army and police forces backed by armored vehicles on the main roads since last week in a measure preceding the enforcement of a security plan, codenamed Order Imposing.
He indicated that "there would be no curfews and life will be normal and people may practice their activities normally." There, however, will be wide-scale deployment of police forces in the streets to maintain security ins the capital, added Maliki.
More security forces were deployed in the Iraqi capital Baghdad as a number of main streets in the area of al-Rasafa were sealed off on Tuesday morning, eyewitnesses said. "Security forces set up checkpoints on most of the main roads in Rasafa and bridges suffered traffic congestions due to the numerous barricades," an eyewitness told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
U.S. warplanes kept hovering in the skies of Baghdad since Monday night and until Tuesday morning, the eyewitness added. Baghdad has been witnessing wide-scale deployments of Iraqi army and police forces backed by armored vehicles on the main roads since last week in a measure preceding the enforcement of a security plan, codenamed Order Imposing.
Al-Maliki denied charges that the plan would favour either Sunni or Shiite factions, insisting that it would target armed extremists from either camp."There will be no safe haven for outlaws even in holy places, because human life is holier. We will drive out all those trespassing on the dignity of man." On Tuesday, Lieutenant General Abboud Gambar appeared on television to warn: "All those who breach the terms of this decree will be judged under the law on terrorism."
The first measure announced was the closure of Iraq's borders with Iran and Syria, both of which have been accused of allowing weapons and extremists to enter the country. A senior Iraqi security official said the frontiers were closed late Tuesday. Three crossing points to Syria and four to Iran will reopen after 72 with reinforced security measures. Others will stay shut indefinitely.
In addition, weapons permits will be suspended for everyone in Baghdad except Iraqi and US-led security forces and registered private security firms. The city's nightly curfew will also be lengthened. Gambar will command a combined police and military force and be empowered to crack down on rogue security force units in the capital. The decree authorises him to "impose necessary restrictions in all public places and centres and clubs and organisations and unions and businesses and institutions and offices to protect citizens and people who work.
"Searches will be done on public streets, and precautionary measures will be applied on packages, mail, messages and communications and telecommunications equipment," Gambar said, reading the decree. "Security forces will be authorised to block or search public or private property ... (and) will have the right to impose travel restrictions on individuals or vehicles," he added. Iraqis living in housing belonging to displaced persons will be given two weeks to leave or face eviction, he warned.
The first measure announced was the closure of Iraq's borders with Iran and Syria, both of which have been accused of allowing weapons and extremists to enter the country. A senior Iraqi security official said the frontiers were closed late Tuesday. Three crossing points to Syria and four to Iran will reopen after 72 with reinforced security measures. Others will stay shut indefinitely.
In addition, weapons permits will be suspended for everyone in Baghdad except Iraqi and US-led security forces and registered private security firms. The city's nightly curfew will also be lengthened. Gambar will command a combined police and military force and be empowered to crack down on rogue security force units in the capital. The decree authorises him to "impose necessary restrictions in all public places and centres and clubs and organisations and unions and businesses and institutions and offices to protect citizens and people who work.
"Searches will be done on public streets, and precautionary measures will be applied on packages, mail, messages and communications and telecommunications equipment," Gambar said, reading the decree. "Security forces will be authorised to block or search public or private property ... (and) will have the right to impose travel restrictions on individuals or vehicles," he added. Iraqis living in housing belonging to displaced persons will be given two weeks to leave or face eviction, he warned.
Labels: al-Maliki, Baghdad, Order Imposing, security
