Violence increasing, Baghdad residents say

BAGHDAD, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Baghdad residents said they are concerned the security situation has deteriorated as sniper attacks, assassinations and security checkpoints are on the rise.

Baghdad residents told the Iraqi daily Azzaman they are seeing a correlation between commute times and the security situation as U.S. and Iraqi forces sealed several areas in the wake of a series of suicide car bombings.

"There is a direct link between traffic jams and security," said one commuter. "Congested streets in Baghdad are an indication of an upsurge in insecurity."

Meanwhile, Iraqi army spokesman Lt. Gen. Qassim Atta said there was a "notable rise" in the occurrence of deadly sniper activity in the Iraqi capital, though most have turned their guns on national security forces, he noted.

University and school officials also have expressed concern about the security situation and subsequent traffic backups as many students returned from summer recess this week.

Gunmen in the northern city of Mosul targeted a Christian businessman, killing him and wounding his nephew, as attacks on the minority group escalate. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence officials report the number of kidnappings is up from last year, and suicide bombers killed seven in weekend attacks.