Iraq plans to remove 300 checkpoints, erect security fence in Baghdad
Baghdad (Iraqinews.com) – Iraq has unveiled a plan to remove 300 security checkpoints in Baghdad and to go on with a project to establish a security fence around the Iraqi capital.
The Saudi-funded London-based Asharq al-Awsat newspaper quoted Director of Baghdad Operations Command Media Office Qasim Atiya as saying that more 600 streets will be “opened up in Baghdad and all concrete blocks will be removed from streets in order to ease traffic jam in the Iraqi capital.”
“Work is undergoing to remove 50 pct of the remaining checkpoints in Baghdad after removing 281 security checkpoints recently,” he said, stressing that the security file in Baghdad has witnessed great successes thanks to intensified intelligence efforts and wide-range military operations.
Atiya revealed that the “removed concrete blocks will be reused to set up a security fence around Baghdad to prevent terrorists from accessing the Iraqi capital and posing a threat to its residents.”
The Iraqi capital has seen almost daily bombings and armed attacks against security members, paramilitary troops and civilians since the Iraqi government launched a wide-scale campaign to retake Islamic State-occupied areas in 2016. Though most of the daily bombings go without a claim of responsibility, Islamic State has declared it had been behind many.
Iraqi troops thwart Islamic State plot to launch terrorist attacks in Baghdad
Baghdad (Iraqinews.com) – Security forces foiled on Monday a plot by Islamic State militants to carry out terrorist attacks in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, a well-placed security official was quoted as saying.
Speaking to Baghdad Today news website, Spokesman for the Iraqi Interior Ministry Maj. Gen. Saad Maan said, “Federal police and intelligence personnel have arrested a terrorist who admitted receiving orders from Islamic State leaders to find a place in al-Taji area, north of Baghdad, to use it in carrying out criminal acts in Baghdad.”
“The arrest was made upon accurate intelligence reports,” Maan pointed out.
Iraqi troops seize 115 bombs left over by Islamic State in Baghdad
Baghdad (Iraqinews.com) – Baghdad Operations Command announced on Monday that its troops have seized 115 explosive devices that were left over by Islamic State militants in the Iraqi capital.
In a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Alghad Press, the command said, “The troops seized 115 explosive charges of different shapes and sizes at al-Anaz area, west of Baghdad.”
“All the bombs were detonated on site, with no casualties reported,” the statement read.
“The troops also apprehended a number of outlaws who were wanted on different charges,” the statement added.
“Iraqi security forces will continue to assume their duties on a daily basis to track down IS terrorists and purge all Iraqi territories from their war leftovers,” the statement concluded.