Security reinforcement in Baghdad, demonstrations in Tikrit
Baghdad has been witnessing strong security measures in an atmosphere of extreme caution. The Iraqi police is carrying out a full inspection campaign of cars, and installed check points on various roads. These measures are a precaution against any attack or demonstration that may take place after the announcement of the capture of the toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein near Tikrit on Sunday.
However, these measures did not prevent the occurrence of new attacks. Booby trapped cars targeted two police stations in Baghdad and resulted in killing 10 persons and scores of wounded on Monday morning. The first attack targeted al-Zohour police center in al-Huseineyah suburb, to the north of Baghdad, and this resulted in killing 8 persons and wounding more 20 persons after a booby trapped car hit the gate of the center.
By the time the police was announcing the first explosion, another explosion took place; another explosion took place in al-Amereyah quarters to the west of Baghdad and resulted in killing one police man and wounding more than 10.
The police explained that they defused a third explosive, which was in a car prepared for blowing up, after its driver fled, in an operation that seemed to be targeting another police center in the same quarters.
News reports in Baghdad said that there are fears of a strong reaction to news on Saddam Hussein's detention, being from the supporters of the toppled President or his opponents.
In a related matter, a procession for the American occupation forces was exposed to an attack on the road leading to Tikrit from Baghdad. The attack resulted in wounding drivers of certain transport cars which carry supplies for the American forces.
On the other hand, sources in the Iraqi police said that at least one person was killed in demonstration, during which the occupation forces used smoke bombs to disperse some 300 demonstrators from Tikrit University, who were chanting long life for Saddam Hussein.
The demonstrators tried to enter the city center in order to organize a bigger demonstration.
