Baghdad, Feb 08 (ANI): Residents of Baghdad enjoyed the first curfew-free night in over a decade as authorities on midnight at Sunday finally lifted restrictions on movement that had been synonymous with instability and a lack of security. A large crowd gathered at Baghdad's central Tahrir Square to celebrate the occasion as security forces kept a visible presence on the streets. Officials hope to demonstrate that Baghdad no longer faces a threat from Islamic State, the militant group which seized large areas of northern and western Iraq last year. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, a moderate Shi'ite Islamist who took office in September, has struggled to develop a broad support base. Baghdad police chief Shaker Abdul Rida Asadi said the lifting of the curfew showed Iraq's security forces are becoming more competent in tackling the issue of violence. However, at least 34 people were killed in three bombings around Baghdad on Saturday (February 7), hours before the government was due to lift the curfew on the capital.
