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Iraq unveils new security plans Iraq unveils new security plans
(30 minutes later)
Iraq says it will close its borders with Iran and Syria for up to three days as part of its new security plan for Baghdad. Iraq says it will close its borders with Iran and Syria for up to three days as part of its new security plan for the capital, Baghdad.
Top Iraqi commander Lt Gen Abboud Gambar has been speaking live on TV about the plan, which will also involve longer curfew hours for the capital. Top Iraqi commander Lt Gen Abboud Gambar has been speaking live on TV about the plan, which will involve imposing a longer curfew on the city.
The security plan is also now being debated in the US House. The plan is also now being debated in the US House of Representatives.
BBC correspondents say closing borders would be difficult as they are long, porous and often barely guarded.BBC correspondents say closing borders would be difficult as they are long, porous and often barely guarded.
Van attackVan attack
Thousands of extra US troops are heading to the Iraqi capital to bolster Iraqi forces in the new security "surge" against militants and bombers.Thousands of extra US troops are heading to the Iraqi capital to bolster Iraqi forces in the new security "surge" against militants and bombers.
US President George W Bush is committed to sending 21,500 additional troops to Iraq, but he faces strong opposition in the Democrat-led Congress.US President George W Bush is committed to sending 21,500 additional troops to Iraq, but he faces strong opposition in the Democrat-led Congress.
Gen Gambar, speaking on behalf of the Cabinet and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, did not say when the borders would close. Lt Gen Abboud Gambar is in charge of the new security plan
Gen Gambar, speaking on behalf of the Cabinet and Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, did not say when the borders would close.
Officials told the BBC the curfew in Baghdad would be extended by one hour, starting at 2000 local time (1700 GMT) instead of 2100 and continuing to 0600.
Officials also said that after the 72-hour border closure, the frontier with Iran would only be partially reopened.
Gen Gambar is charge of a plan that will divide Baghdad into 10 security districts in an attempt to drive out insurgents and illegal militias.Gen Gambar is charge of a plan that will divide Baghdad into 10 security districts in an attempt to drive out insurgents and illegal militias.
He said the plan would give him sweeping new emergency powers.
The border move comes amid claims by the US that Iran is supplying militias with sophisticated weapons to attack US troops. Tehran rejects the accusation.The border move comes amid claims by the US that Iran is supplying militias with sophisticated weapons to attack US troops. Tehran rejects the accusation.
Violence continued in Iraq on Tuesday despite the new security plans.Violence continued in Iraq on Tuesday despite the new security plans.
A van crammed with explosives exploded near a college in western Baghdad, killing at least 16 people and injuring 45.A van crammed with explosives exploded near a college in western Baghdad, killing at least 16 people and injuring 45.