Iraq's Maliki continues security shakeup after massive bombings
BAGHDAD — The government of Iraq has reshuffled its security
leadership.
Officials said Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has fired dozens of
senior officers from the police following a spate of mass-casualty strikes in
Baghdad.
They said Al Maliki has dismissed the commander of security forces
in Baghdad in wake of an attack that killed 127 people on Dec. 8.
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Al Maliki has fired police and security force commanders since the spate
of massive bombings began in August 2009. The prime minister has blamed the
police for negligence and lack of discipline, Middle East Newsline reported.
"Nouri Al Maliki, as the commander in chief of the armed forces, ordered
the removal of Lt. Gen. Abboud Qanbar from his post," Al Maliki's office
said in a statement on Dec. 9.
Officials said Qanbar would be replaced by Lt. Gen. Ahmed Hashem
Awoudeh. Awoudeh was described as a security veteran who has worked in
Baghdad.
Qanbar and other security commanders have been blamed for the
infiltration of four cars filled with bombs in Baghdad. The attackers
targeted the Finance Ministry, Interior Ministry Labor Ministry and a
courthouse.
