Maliki: 'Heavy deployment' of Iraqi forces coming this week in Baghdad

A man is searched at a checkpoint in Baghdad today

BAGHDAD, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Iraqi forces will step up their deployment on the streets of Baghdad this week as part of a U.S.-backed offensive against militants, Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Sunday.

The crackdown, which U.S. officials said began last week, is seen as a final attempt to prevent an all-out sectarian war between Iraq's dominant Shi'ites and minority Sunni Arabs.

While saying the offensive would accelerate at a gradual pace, Maliki said "very soon, this week, will witness a heavy deployment of the security forces from (the Iraqi) police and the army".

U.S. President George W. Bush has promised to send 21,500 more American troops, mostly to Baghdad, to help with the plan. Thousands of Iraqi reinforcements have already arrived from other parts of the country.

Some 85,000 U.S. and Iraqi soldiers will be available for the offensive when all reinforcements are in place.

Read the rest at Reuters/Alternet

Related Link:
Report: Infighting hampering Baghdad crackdown, searches finding little

Related Link:
Iraqi Policy Report: U.S. should concentrate crackdown on Sunnis, leave Shiites alone

Related Link:
Iraqi, US forces push into Baghdad, focus on Kadhimiyah, Dura districts

Related Link:
Iraqi minister arrested over Sadr links, accused of funnelling millions to Mahdi Army

Related Link:
U.S. troops open Joint Security Station in Doura neighborhood of Baghdad

Related Link:
Report: Baghdad 'crackdown' begins

Related Link:
U.S.-Iraqi sweep Sunni district in 'Operation Arrowhead Strike 6', but say crackdown yet to start