Iraq: Baghdad curfew lifted after decade
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 8 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iraq: Baghdad curfew lifted after decade, 8 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55094045c.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 08, 2015
Celebrations have erupted in Baghdad after the government lifted a nighttime curfew.
People took to the streets of the Iraqi capital after midnight on February 8 for the first time in a decade.
The curfew has largely been in place since 2004, in response to the growing sectarian violence that engulfed Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion a year earlier.
But five blasts across Baghdad on February 7 dampened Iraqis' anticipation of a more relaxed and accessible capital.
At least 40 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the explosions, security and medical sources said, and dozens more were wounded.
The bloodiest attack took place in the capital's New Baghdad neighborhood, where a suicide bomber detonated his explosives in a busy street, killing 22 people.
Islamic State militants claimed the attack, saying their bomber targeted Shi'ites.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
