Iraqi authorities have begun construction of a security fence around the capital Baghdad, the country's Al-Iraqiya TV reported, citing a Baghdad security spokesman.
The concrete fence with eight checkpoints is to be completed in mid-2011.
It will be equipped with modern surveillance systems to "block terrorists and prevent them from getting into Baghdad," Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta was quoted as saying.
As soon as the construction is completed, the city's authorities plan to remove checkpoints inside the city.
In 2006-2007 Baghdad was divided into several districts separated by numerous checkpoints and concrete fences in a bid to improve security. They caused traffic jams around the city but failed to prevent numerous terrorist attacks on the most heavily guarded districts of the Iraqi capital, including embassy zones.
Violence has been on surge in Iraq as the country struggles to form a government a month after controversial general elections.
According to media reports, about ten car bomb attacks were registered in Baghdad in April alone, including those close to Spanish, German, Ukrainian, Egyptian and Iranian embassies. The blasts left over a hundred of people dead.
BAGHDAD, May 4 (RIA Novosti)
