Fearing attacks, Iraq steps up security in capital

By Ibrahim Saleh and Amir al-Hassani

BAGHDAD

Places frequented by foreign diplomatic missions and bodies in the Iraqi capital are protected by "high-level security measures”, army affiliate Baghdad Operations Command (BOC) said on Tuesday.

The announcement comes after Monday's U.S. embassy warning that it had received “credible threats of possible attacks" on hotels in Baghdad frequented by Westerners.

Great intelligence effort is provided by the security forces through the deployment of various detachments and formations in protecting places frequented by foreigners in the capital, the statement said.

The embassy added that the internal security policies of the U.S. mission in Iraq may change at any time without advance notice.

The US State Department recently warned its nationals from traveling to Iraq for any reason, arguing that the situation in the country is "still very dangerous", stressing that the Daesh terrorist organization threatens American citizens and Western companies in various parts of Iraq.