BAGHDAD, April 23 (UPI) -- The erection of a U.S. "security wall" in a Sunni district of Baghdad is set to spark additional unrest in a country already torn by widespread violence.
The U.S. and Iraqi forces slapped a curfew on the Adhamiya district in northern Baghdad Monday to prevent plans by the residents to hold a peaceful demonstration against the 12-foot high, 3-mile long wall around their area.
Eyewitnesses said residents remained confined to their homes as Iraqi and U.S. troops surrounded Adhamiya to enforce the curfew, while U.S. military helicopters were seen hovering above the area. Instructions from mosque speakers warned the people to remain indoors after the U.S. forces allegedly threatened to forcefully confront any protests.
The U.S. forces began erecting the wall April 10 on the grounds of protecting the Sunni population from Shiite attacks. But many residents and Sunnis have condemned the move, saying it was a sectarian separation that constitutes a large prison.
However, growing pressure against the barrier might reverse the measure. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said in Baghdad Monday the U.S. military "will respect the wishes" of the Iraqi government, a day after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he had ordered a stop to the building of the wall.
