|
Security stepped up for Iraq referendum
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-13 20:03
U.S. and Iraqi forces stepped up security across Iraq on Thursday in an
effort to reduce insurgent attacks aimed at wrecking this weekend's
constitutional referendum.
One day after Iraqi lawmakers approved a set of last-minute amendments to the
constitution, cities were unusually quiet as a four-day national holiday began.
Wednesday's deal sealed a compromise designed to win minority Sunni Arab support
for the charter.
Government offices and schools were closed ahead of Saturday's vote, and a 6
p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew went into effect Thursday. On Friday the country's borders
will be closed and all travel among its provinces halted.
Working under cover of darkness, U.S. and Iraqi forces erected concrete
barriers topped with concertina wire in front of polling places, to protect them
from insurgent bombs.
There are now 156,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, a total that
has been rising in recent weeks as the 101st Airborne returns, along with lead
elements of the 3rd Corps Support Command.
|
