Iraq says violence in Baghdad cut by 80% BAGHDAD, Feb. 17 -- Iraqi military said Saturday that violence and insurgent attacks have cut by 80 percent since the U.S. and Iraqi security forces launched crackdown operation in Baghdad earlier this week.
"Terrorist attacks in Baghdad have dropped by 80 percent," said Qasim al-Mussawi, spokesman for Lieutenant General Abboud Gambar, who commands a joint force of Iraqi army and police.
"Before the operation, the morgue was receiving 40 to 50 bodies every day, but now it has only received 20 bodies in the past 48 hours," al-Mussawi said.
He said that the Iraqi security forces have arrested 144 wanted suspects and 130 displaced families have returned home.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced Wednesday the start of a long-awaited security plan aimed at pacifying Iraqi cities, especially the capital.
On the same day, the Iraqi government closed the borders with the neighboring Syria and Iran for 72 hours as part of the crackdown plan.
Al-Mussawi said the borders would reopen but it would take 60 days for the crossing to return normal.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-02/17/content_5751463.htm