LOC14:30
11:30 GMT
BAGHDAD, Jan 13 (KUNA) -- The movement of all motorbikes will be prohibited
in Baghdad as of 6:00 a.m. on Monday and until further notice, a precaution
aimed at preventing possible attacks against Shiite pilgrims who would be
marking "Ashoura."
Spokesman for the law enforcement plan Brigadier Qassem Atta told KUNA that
this measure was taken to prevent attacks on Shiite processions on the
streets, heading to Kadhmiya, where they would observe the 10th day of
Muharram, known as Ashoura.
This coincided with the issuance of an official ban on carrying all forms
of weapons by civilians, and warnings against taking children to public
gatherings, and even purses and all types of telephones.
Shiites mark the death of Imam Al-Hussein, and thousands of pilgrims come
to visit the holy shrines in Najaf, Karbala and Kadhmiya in Baghdad. (end)
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KUNA 131430 Jan 08NNNN