Baghdad security plan for holidays excludes road closures, commander says

BAGHDAD — Baghdad Operations Commander Lt. Gen. Walid Khalifa al-Tamimi said Monday that the security plan for Christmas and New Year celebrations does not include any road closures, saying forces will be deployed to protect public gatherings, churches and key public spaces and to deter violations.

“Baghdad Operations Command has put in place a special organizational and coordination plan to secure Christmas and New Year celebrations,” al-Tamimi told the official news agency. He said the plan includes deploying security forces “in vital locations and areas that witness gatherings, securing parks, public places and squares, and the surroundings of churches, in addition to monitoring the movement of citizens to prevent any breach.”

Al-Tamimi said security forces will act against any violations. “Any violations of the law that may occur, such as assault, harassment, or the firing of weapons and excessive fireworks, will be dealt with in accordance with the law and measures will be taken against violators,” he said.

He emphasized that traffic will remain open. “The plan does not include any closures,” al-Tamimi said.

The commander said the plan also relies on intelligence work, including the deployment of intelligence assets in and around celebration areas to monitor the security situation.