Iraq steps up security measures in preparation for Friday's protests

BAGHDAD - 24 January 2020: Iraqi forces stepped up security measures and closed several roads in central Baghdad in preparation for the "one million-strong" protest set to be launched today against the US presence in the country, a local security source said on Friday.

The security forces started tightening security measures on Thursday night, Alsumaria news channel reported, quoting the source as saying.

These measures come in conjunction with today's expected "one million-strong" march that was called for by Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr against the US, the source added.

Large numbers of Iraqi citizens started flocking to the University of Baghdad, where the marches will be held.