BAGHDAD, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- All of Iraq's borders were closed Monday as part of security precautions before the country's parliamentary elections this week.
The measure also included airports to ensure the safety of voters heading to the polls on Thursday. Interior Minister Bayan Jabr said there will be a 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew along the borders until the end of the month.
In Baghdad, Maj. Gen. Salih Serhan told reporters that Iraqi forces were ready to protect towns across the country from bombers.
He said 10 Iraqi army divisions, or nearly 150,000 soldiers, would be involved in securing the country. Another 160,000 U.S. troops and thousands of other coalition forces will be backing them up, the Washington Times said.
Iraqis are scheduled to go to the polls to elect 275 members to four-year terms in the National Assembly. Its members will choose the president, prime minister and Cabinet.
