Iraqis: Orders removing concrete barriers in Baghdad too early

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Iraq's Interior Minister has given an official reaction to Sunday's twin suicide bombings that struck the heart of Baghdad. The bombers killed at least 155 people, making it the deadliest attack in more than two years. But Iraqi forces are removing thousands of concrete security blocks throughout the capital.

The interior Minister, said the bombings were organized by a terrorist network, and that security forces were on the hunt to track down the perpetrators.

Iraq's Interior Minister, Jawad Al-Bolani, said, "A systematic terrorist network is responsible for all the Baghdad explosions. Seventy six wanted men have been arrested and about 4 or 5 others are still at large. Our security forces are chasing them and they will be detained and brought to justice."

The attacks targeted the Baghdad Provincial Administration building and the Justice Ministry, wounding more than 500 people.

The Mansour hotel, which houses the Chinese embassy and several foreign media groups including Xinhua, was also damaged.

Dozens of civil servants were among the dead.

Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces on Monday removed concrete barriers, which were set up to prevent car bombings.

Local residents feel the moves come too soon in the light of Sunday's attacks.

File photo published on August 5, 2009, the Iraqi government is planning  to remove many of Baghdad's concrete road barriers, such as this one in  the Sadr City district, seen in May.(By SAM DAGHER)

Hisham Jamal, Baghdad resident, said, "The concrete barriers should stay in place, it is not secure enough to remove them and you saw what happened yesterday in al-Salhiya near the Baghdad provincial government's building. There are places where blast walls should be kept."

Hussein Ali, Baghdad resident, said, "I think it is too early to remove the concrete barriers, the situation is still unstable. The blast walls should be removed when the situation has improved and after we have worked on supporting each other. We have to find a solution."

Despite a drop in overall violence around the country, insurgents are still carrying out bombings and shootings. Observers are warning of an increase in violence in the lead up to parliamentary elections in January.