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[casi] Day of resistance




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http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/10/31/sprj.irq.main/index.html
U.S. warns of 'day of resistance' in Iraq
Iraqi policeman killed in riot near Baghdad airport

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) --The U.S. Consulate on Friday urged Americans to take precautions amid rumors 
of a "day of resistance" this weekend in the Iraqi capital.

Attacks against U.S. forces and Iraqi police have escalated recently, with the most dramatic and 
bloodiest day coming Monday. More than 30 people were killed then in four suicide bombings in 
Baghdad, including an assault on the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters.

In the latest violence, an Iraqi policeman was killed Friday in a riot near Baghdad International 
Airport. U.S. troops and armed Iraqis exchanged fire.

A witness said residents were protesting the imprisonment of Iraqis in nearby Abu Grieb prison when 
a U.S. military vehicle pulled up on a curb near the demonstration. Stones were thrown at the 
American troops, and the witness said a riot broke out.

Acknowledging talk that news organizations have heard in recent days, the U.S. Consulate issued a 
statement saying that "U.S. citizens are encouraged to continue to maintain a high level of 
vigilance and continue to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness."

A number of dates have been mentioned for possible attacks, but the common one is for Saturday.

Separately, officials with the Army's 1st Armored Division -- in charge of U.S. troops in Baghdad 
-- said they have a stepped up their security presence in the city.

One U.S.-led coalition official said threats against Iraqis are coming mostly to schools, where men 
with their heads covered in black cloth, have threatened students, teachers and families.

The threats have been verbal and written on paper, saying that no one will be safe and police 
stations, schools, markets, mosques, hotels and nongovernmental organizations will be targeted 
regardless of women and children in the areas, the official said.

The official wouldn't say if a specific group is behind the threats but did say authorities believe 
that foreign fighters may be responsible.

Coalition and Iraqi security forces are aware of the threats and are trying to "mitigate the 
consequences," the official said.

The threats are coming from all over the country but are focused on Saddam Hussein's strongholds 
where most of the violence has occurred, including Baghdad, Fallujah and the Sunni "Triangle" area.


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