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Iraqi PM Issues High Security Alert

   VOA News 28 August 2010
   Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al- Maliki (file photo)

Photo: AP

   Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al- Maliki (file photo)

   Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has issued a high security alert
   for  possible  terror  attacks,  as the U.S. moves to formally end its
   combat mission in the next few days.
   Mr.  Maliki  issued  a  statement  Friday  urging  security forces and
   civilians  to  "exercise  the  highest degree of caution."Â  He said a
   "criminal  alliance"  between  al-Qaida  forces  and members of former
   leader  Saddam  Hussein's  outlawed Baath party are plotting a wave of
   attacks across the country.
   The  Iraqi  prime  minister  said  the  alleged plotters have "foreign
   assistance."
   Meanwhile,  an  al-Qaida group has claimed responsibility for a recent
   string of attacks that have killed at least 55 people. Â
   In a statement posted on a militant website, the Islamic State of Iraq
   says  it  spearheaded  attacks  during  the holy month of Ramadan with
   targets  that included headquarters and checkpoints for Iraqi security
   forces.
   Prime  Minister  Maliki's  warning  of  more  attacks  comes  ahead of
   Tuesday's formal end of the U.S. combat mission.  The U.S. will shift
   its  role to advising and training Iraqi security forces until the end
   of 2011, when all U.S. forces are scheduled to leave.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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