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Iraqi Security Forces Lock Down Parts of Baghdad

   VOA News 12 January 2010
   Iraqi  police officer uses scanner device to inspect car at checkpoint
   in central Baghdad, 12 Jan 2010

Photo: AP

   Iraqi  police officer uses scanner device to inspect car at checkpoint
   in central Baghdad, 12 Jan 2010

   Iraqi  security  forces  have  locked down parts of Baghdad Tuesday to
   conduct search operations for possible car bombs.
   Iraqi  officials  imposed  strict  security  procedures and restricted
   traffic  after  receiving  threats  of  possible car bombs in the city
   Tuesday morning.
   The  security  operation  comes  as  Iraq  is preparing for nationwide
   parliamentary  elections  in  March.  Officials have warned insurgents
   trying to disrupt the vote could try to launch attacks as the election
   nears.
   Baghdad  has  been  hit by a number of high-profile bombings in recent
   months, mainly targeting government buildings in the city.

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

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