BAGHDAD, Feb 13: Iraq announced on Tuesday it would close its borders with Iran and Syria and impose draconian emergency-style security measures on Baghdad after two days of bombings left around 100 dead.
The commander charged with overseeing the Baghdad security plan, Lt Gen Abboud Gambar, announced details of the measures in a decree read out on state television as night fell after another day of carnage.
Wearing a military uniform and a red beret, the moustachioed general said the measures would come into effect at a date `to be announced later’.
“All those who breach the terms of this decree will be judged under the law on terrorism by the high criminal court which will hold special trial sessions for this purpose,” he warned.
Four of the main Iranian and two Syrian border posts will remain closed for 72 hours, before reopening, but others will be shut indefinitely, he said.
In addition, weapons permits will be suspended for everyone in Baghdad apart from the Iraqi and US-led security forces and registered private security firms and the city’s nightly curfew will be reinforced.
Gambar will combine under his command police and military forces, and be empowered to crack down on rogue security force units within the capital.
The decree will authorise 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.—AFP
