Iraqi PM says more attacks likely
Sunday, 16 August 2009
BAGHDAD, Aug 15 (AP): Iraq's prime minister said Saturday that insurgents will likely intensify their attacks in the run-up to January national elections in an attempt to destroy national unity and political stability.
A flurry of recent bombings has sparked fears that insurgents could reignite the sectarian fighting that nearly tore the country apart two years ago, while also raising questions about the ability of Iraqi security forces to maintain stability.
"Terrorists are increasing their attacks here and there because they recognise that we are about to have a political breakthrough," Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told Shiite tribal members during a meeting in Baghdad.
"We have taken big steps during a difficult period, and there are still more steps to take to overcome the remaining obstacles," he said.
Al-Maliki warned Iraqis there would be "decisive battles" with insurgents in the months leading up to the January elections when Iraqis will cast ballots for the 275-member parliament and prime minister.
Al-Maliki, a Shiite, has campaigned for re-election largely on the dramatic decline in violence in the last two years.
But Iraq has suffered a series of deadly bombings in recent weeks, marking the worst violence since the US military turned security of cities over to Iraqi troops on June 30. More than 150 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in the attacks, primarily in Baghdad and in northern Iraq.
The deadliest attacks have been in and around the city of Mosul, which the US military calls the last urban stronghold of al-Qaida.
Some Iraqi politicians have suggesting delaying the upcoming elections, with the hope of increasing their chances of successfully challenging al-Maliki's party. But the prime minister has opposed a delay.
A flurry of recent bombings has sparked fears that insurgents could reignite the sectarian fighting that nearly tore the country apart two years ago, while also raising questions about the ability of Iraqi security forces to maintain stability.
"Terrorists are increasing their attacks here and there because they recognise that we are about to have a political breakthrough," Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told Shiite tribal members during a meeting in Baghdad.
"We have taken big steps during a difficult period, and there are still more steps to take to overcome the remaining obstacles," he said.
Al-Maliki warned Iraqis there would be "decisive battles" with insurgents in the months leading up to the January elections when Iraqis will cast ballots for the 275-member parliament and prime minister.
Al-Maliki, a Shiite, has campaigned for re-election largely on the dramatic decline in violence in the last two years.
But Iraq has suffered a series of deadly bombings in recent weeks, marking the worst violence since the US military turned security of cities over to Iraqi troops on June 30. More than 150 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in the attacks, primarily in Baghdad and in northern Iraq.
The deadliest attacks have been in and around the city of Mosul, which the US military calls the last urban stronghold of al-Qaida.
Some Iraqi politicians have suggesting delaying the upcoming elections, with the hope of increasing their chances of successfully challenging al-Maliki's party. But the prime minister has opposed a delay.