BAGHDAD — Iraq has begun a massive security crackdown in wake of
the death of Al Qaida leader Abu Mussib Al Zarqawi.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki announced an indefinite
operation to capture insurgents in the Baghdad area. Al Maliki said tens of
thousands of troops would flood the capital on Wednesday amid expectations
of massive revenge attacks by Al Qaida.
"It will provide security, confront terrorism and enable Iraqis
to live in peace in Baghdad," Al Maliki said on Tuesday. "The raids during
this plan will be very tough because there will be no mercy toward those who
show no mercy to our people."
Operation Forward Together marked the second security crackdown ordered
by the new prime minister in less than three weeks. On May 28, Iraq deployed
40,000 troops in the week-long Operation Lightening, which also focused on
Baghdad.
"This [operation] will last a long time," Al Maliki said.
Under the latest plan, 75,000 troops, backed by main battle tanks and
armored personnel carriers, would be deployed in the Baghdad area in the
largest operation since 2004. About 50,000 troops would be contributed by
the Interior Ministry and the rest would come from the Iraq Army's 6th and
9th divisions.
The Interior Ministry intends to deploy its 1st and 2nd divisions to the
Iraqi capital. Officials said U.S. troops would also participate in the
operation, which on Wednesday encountered resistance from Sunni insurgents.
"It is an operation to increase pressure on Al Qaida in Baghdad," Iraqi
National Security Adviser Mowaffaq Al Rubaie said.
Officials said the Iraqi military and security forces would issue one
uniform with an insignia that would also appear on all police vehicles. They
said the move would prevent Sunni and Shi'ite insurgents from posing as
Iraqi military and police personnel.
Under the latest operation, the government would also increase
restrictions and target suspected Al Qaida safe houses throughout Baghdad.
Officials said the existing curfew would be extended by two hours and begin
at 9 p.m. and end at 6 a.m.
Al Maliki, who met visiting U.S. President George Bush, also announced a
ban on carrying firearms in public by those who do not belong to the army or
police. Shi'ite militias have conducted numerous patrols in the Baghdad
area.
"People are carrying guns in the streets," Iraqi operations director
Maj. Gen. Abdul Aziz Mohammed Jassim said. "How do we know if they are
terrorists?"
