Iraqi authorities on Friday announced a state of high alert for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, fearing possible suicide attacks on soft targets.
Baghdad Operations Commander Lt. Gen. Ahmed Salim told, “The Iraqi forces will enter a state of alert level C (maximum) starting from May 1 to May 5, to secure the Eid prayers, entertainment areas, markets, restaurants and cemeteries.”
He added, “There is information that there are suicide bombers who seek to target markets and crowded places during the days of Eid.”
According to the army officer, Iraqi security and intelligence services will implement a monitoring plan. Furthermore, security forces will continue combing operations in the areas of the capital Baghdad.
By reclaiming all territories the terrorist group controlled since the summer of 2014, which was estimated to be about one-third of the country’s territory, Iraq declared victory over Daesh/ISIS in 2017.
Sleeper cells, however, are still maintained by the group in large areas in Iraq and undertake sporadic attacks.
