Baghdad bans parking on main streets

A traffic jam in Baghdad

Baghdad - Baghdad motorists were banned on Sunday from parking on any of the war-torn Iraqi capital's main streets in order to prevent car bombs and free up the movement of military forces.

Baghdad operation command, which is overseeing a major security sweep by Iraqi and US forces to quell sectarian violence in the capital, warned in a statement that those ignoring the law will have their cars confiscated.

They also face prosecution under anti-terrorism laws.

"For the sake of preventing terrorists from carrying out criminal acts in markets and important public areas, and to facilitate the movement of forces... we warn citizens that it is completely forbidden to park a car in all main streets of Baghdad," the statement said.

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