News / Iraq

No security wall around Baghdad, Iraqi PM says

Saturday, 06 February 2016 7:04 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 06 February 2016 7:03 PM ]

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (AFP photo)

The Iraqi prime minister denied Saturday reports of plans to construct a concrete wall around the capital Baghdad to fend off attacks by Daesh Takfiri terrorists.

Haider al-Abadi in a statement described Baghdad as the capital of "all Iraqis," adding that there can be "no wall or fence to isolate it or prevent other civilians from entering it."

The comments came after Baghdad Operations Command said on February 3 that preparatory work for a security barrier had started without providing further details.

The prime minister further said the security for the city of four million would be provided by reorganizing checkpoints and closing gaps in the security perimeter.

Gruesome violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since Daesh Takfiris launched an offensive in the country in June 2014, and took control of portions of Iraqi territory.

The militants have been committing vicious crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and others.

The terrorists have claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in recent months in Baghdad.

On January 11, elements with the extremist group targeted a shopping mall in an assault that killed nearly 20 people.

Iraqi army soldiers and fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units are seeking to win back militant-held regions in joint operations.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir