Date : 19/08/2009
BAGHDAD, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani suggested that the
series of bombings in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Wednesday morning resulting
in the death and injury of dozens, were carried out by supporters of former
deceased president Saddam Hussein combined with Al-Qaeda.
"Terrorist criminals from Al-Qaeda and Saddamists carried out Wednesday a
number of criminal acts which targeted civil communities and government
establishments. Dozens of citizens have been wounded," read a presidential
statement.
"These crimes come amidst a number of terrorist acts witnessed in recent
weeks in the capital Baghdad, as well as villages and cities in Mosul, Kirkuk
and Anbar. All of which have been against civilian nationals at their
workplace, homes and resting grounds," he added.
Separately, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki held an urgent meeting attended
by the Defence, Interior and National Security Ministers, in addition to
leading Army, security and intelligence officials.
The meeting which lasted a few hours, was aimed at assessing the state of
security in Baghdad following the bombings, and reviewing strategies and plans
to be followed by security forces in tackling terrorist organizations,
according to a government statement. (end)
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