Iraq Reopens 600 Main Streets, Lifts 281 Security Checkpoints in Baghdad

An aerial view of central Baghdad. Reuters file photo
An aerial view of central Baghdad. Reuters file photo
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Iraq Reopens 600 Main Streets, Lifts 281 Security Checkpoints in Baghdad

An aerial view of central Baghdad. Reuters file photo
An aerial view of central Baghdad. Reuters file photo

Remarkable improvement in life conditions has been recorded in Baghdad as a result of local authorities renovating and reopening streets.

At least 600 main streets and exits in Baghdad and its surrounding neighborhoods have been reopened, Director of Baghdad Operations Command Media Office Brigadier General Qasim Atiya told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Thousands of concrete blocks that were suffocating the capital were also lifted, he said.

“In recent months, we have removed 281 control and security checkpoints in Baghdad and 50 percent of the remaining security points are being removed," said Atiya.

The official added increased intelligence and incremental success in upholding security will play a major part in keeping the capital safe.

"The alternatives are to work on a major intelligence effort, and we have made progress in this regard, and military operations we have carried out in the Baghdad belt have made a big difference in security," said Atiya.

On erecting a fence and security gates, an announcement made earlier by the Command to secure the capital, Atiya pointed out that “construction is underway in this direction, and we have benefited from the concrete blocks that were lifted from the streets in securing vital intersections.”

Atiya revealed that the removed 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.”

Baghdad Mayoralty Spokesman Hakim Abdul-Zahra estimated the number of unregulated housing units in the capital by about 250,000.

He made note of extensive infringements against water networks, public sidewalks and public property.

“For five months we have been tackling transgressions in most areas of Baghdad. So far we have raised over 5,000 cases,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

He pointed out that “violations come under different categories, such as encroaching on main and subsidiary water pipes.”

“We have already removed 282 violations against the capital’s water networks located in Sadr City,” he noted.

Mentioning another type of violations, Abdul-Zahra said that the Mayoralty is also pursuing street vendors operating unlicensed kiosks on sidewalks, and building housing units constructed on public property.

Among the difficult challenges facing taskforce members are the violent threats by trespassers, reaching the point of “death threats” at times, and tribal condemnation.

Despite the arms threat, the taskforce is determined to carry operations through and clean up Baghdad’s streets, said Abdul-Zahra.



US Military Says It Strikes Iran-Backed Militia Facility in Syria

A convoy of US military vehicles near Qamishli, Syria, February 2020. (SANA/via Reuters)
A convoy of US military vehicles near Qamishli, Syria, February 2020. (SANA/via Reuters)
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US Military Says It Strikes Iran-Backed Militia Facility in Syria

A convoy of US military vehicles near Qamishli, Syria, February 2020. (SANA/via Reuters)
A convoy of US military vehicles near Qamishli, Syria, February 2020. (SANA/via Reuters)

US forces conducted strikes in Syria against Iranian-aligned militia groups for a second day in a row Tuesday in response to further attacks on US personnel, US Central Command said late Tuesday.

In the latest retaliatory strikes, US forces hit a weapons storage and logistics facility after militia groups launched a rocket attack on US personnel at Patrol Base Shaddadi in Eastern Syria.

Earlier Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said that over the weekend the militias had also targeted US personnel with a drone attack and indirect fires at another base, Green Village, where US troops are operating — which prompted the US to strike nine militia targets on Monday in self-defense.

There are about 900 US troops deployed in Syria. No US troops were injured in either attack.