Islam Times - Iraqi Prime Minister calls for heightened security measures against terrorism

Islam Times - As violence seems to have reached an all time high in Iraq, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is calling for heightened security measures against terror, warning that his government would not tolerate foreign forces and militias from disrupting the fabric of the state.

In a statement published by his media office, the Prime Minister noted, "We will strike any force which constitute a threat to the army."

He further added that the Council of Ministers had decided to support its security apparatus as to pursue those who called for sedition.

Al-Maliki once again warned against calls for sectarianism, stressing that such actions are contrary to democratic principles and thus in direct violation of the constitution.
He explained that his government would stand fast against terror and sectarianism.

On Tuesday five commuters were killed when a bomb exploded inside a minibus travelling through Sadr City, a Shia-majority district in eastern Baghdad, a police officer said.

Five policemen and 20 civilians were wounded in the attack, he added.

Another police officer said a suicide bomber set off his explosives-laden truck after passing a police checkpoint in the town of Tarmiyah north of Baghdad, killing a policeman and a civilian. Nine were wounded.

Over 400 people have lost their lives since May.