Iraqi PM Orders Deployment of Counter-terrorism Forces to Protect Baghdad Buildings

Arab World

October 27th, 8:23am

Asharq Al-Awsat

A member of the Iraqi security forces holds his weapon during clashes with al-Qaeda-linked ISIS of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the city of Ramadi, 100 km (62 miles) west of Baghdad, February 25, 2014. - Reuters

Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service said on Sunday it had deployed in the streets of Baghdad to protect important state buildings while security forces were busy with protests. This came upon Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's orders. "Counter-Terrorism Service forces have been deployed in some areas of Baghdad to protect state buildings from undisciplined elements taking advantage of security forces being busy with protecting protests and protesters," it said in a statement. Two security sources had told Reuters on Saturday that the elite counter-terrorism forces had been deployed in Baghdad and had been told to "use all necessary measures" to end ongoing protests against Abdul Mahdi's government. At least 67 Iraqis were killed and hundreds wounded in two days of protests over the weekend, as demonstrators clashed with security forces in a second wave of protests. The latest bloodshed was the second major bout of violence this month. According to Reuters, earlier in October, 157 people were killed and more than 6,000 wounded in other clashes between protesters and security forces.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1963561/iraqi-pm-orders-deployment-counter-terrorism-forces-protect-baghdad-buildings