BAGHDAD
Security forces on Tuesday began applying a new security strategy in Baghdad, according to a local security source, amid ongoing attacks in Iraq’s violence-prone capital.
“The new strategy divides the city into 22 zones, each of which will be entirely secured… with a view to preventing explosive-laden cars from entering the city,” Mohamed al-Rabie, vice-head of security for Baghdad Province, told Anadolu Agency.
On the same day, seven people were killed and another 29 injured by several explosions that rocked the city, according to police source.
“A police officer was killed and another four injured when their patrol struck a roadside bomb in the southern Al-Yousifia district,” a police captain told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity.
Another six people, he added, had been killed – and 25 injured – when four different bombs went off in public areas in the Al-Sebaa, Al-Seidiya, Al-Amel and Al-Nuairiya districts.
Iraq has suffered a devastating security vacuum since June 2014, when the Daesh militant group overran the northern city of Mosul.
In February, Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi lifted Baghdad’s eight-year-old nighttime curfew, citing “improved security conditions”.
Nevertheless, the Iraqi capital is still often rocked by violence, including frequent bombings and shooting attacks.
