Iraq plans less intrusive security stance in Najaf

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

NAJAF, Iraq (AFP) — Iraq is to install 300 closed-circuit television cameras in the Shiite holy city of Najaf as it seeks to adopt a less intrusive security stance in the pilgrimage centre, a provincial official said on Monday.

"Iraqi forces will start implementing a new Najaf security plan from tomorrow (Tuesday), including notably the installation of 300 surveillance cameras on the main thoroughfares, public squares and gathering points," provincial official Ahmed Dwaibel told AFP.

He said the authorities were hoping the cameras would allow the removal of the concrete barriers that currently criss-cross the historic shrine city and the progressive reduction of the 60 or so checkpoints that impose a major restriction on movement.

"Nearly 4,000 plainclothes...