US forces set to leave Iraq cities

Iraqi officials increase security in preparation for withdrawal of US troops.

Motorcycle destroyed in Baghdad bombing
Motorcycles have been banned after being used in attacks killing more than 100 last week [AFP]

“That is why orders came from the highest level of the prime minister that our forces should be 100 per cent on the ground until further notice.”

Airport closed

Motorcycles have been banned indefinitely after they were used last week in three separate attacks, killing more than 100 people.

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Iraqi officials have also warned citizens to avoid crowded places.

Despite heightened security, a roadside bomb attack on a US convoy in eastern Baghdad wounded six bystanders a day earlier, police said.

In western Baghdad, a car bomb exploded in the parking area of a police academy in Al-Furat district, killing one police officer and wounding seven policemen.

In Sunday’s attacks, fighters were believed to have taken advantage of a major sandstorm that reduced visibility to just a few metres in some parts of Baghdad.

The sandstorm forced Baghdad’s airport to close and delayed Iraq’s first oil bidding process in more than 30 years as international oil companies and representatives could not land in the capital.

The top US commander in Mosul has warned Iraqi army generals that the time has not yet come for his forces to pull out.

“The most dangerous thing that can happen to you and me is that the insurgents separate us, to put a wedge between us,” Colonel Gary Volesky said.

The Iraqi army and government have asked that Volesky’s troops remain in Mosul past the scheduled withdrawal date.

Source: Al Jazeera, News Agencies