The main building of Iraq’s Interior Ministry in Baghdad.
Interior minister issues Ramadan security directives
BAGHDAD — Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari issued directives on security measures for Ramadan, the Interior Ministry said.
The ministry said Shammari chaired an expanded meeting at the ministry’s operations headquarters. Deputies, directors general and police commanders in Baghdad attended, while provincial police chiefs joined via videoconference.
Shammari stressed intensifying intelligence efforts near places of worship, markets and other locations frequented by citizens, especially after iftar and during suhoor hours.
He directed that citizens be allowed to observe the holy month in a suitable atmosphere, with measures to ensure smooth vehicle movement and the deployment of traffic and civil defense patrols.
Shammari has also directed the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime to monitor market prices during Ramadan and take legal measures against violators.
Iraq’s Sunni Endowment Office and the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs announced that Wednesday marks the first day of Ramadan, following the confirmed sighting of the crescent moon. Iraq’s Shiite religious authorities have not yet officially announced the first day, with expectations that Thursday may be declared the start for Shiite Muslims.