Baghdad security commander fired

Baghdad, 10 Dec-(ANA)-Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has fired the head of Baghdad's security forces in the wake of Tuesday's bombings which killed 127 people.

"Mr Maliki ordered the removal of Lt Gen Abboud Qanbar from his post," a statement from his office said.

Lt Gen Qanbar would be replaced by the deputy chief of the Iraqi army, Lt Gen Ahmed Hashem, the statement said.

"This crime will prompt us to review security strategies. It will bring changes in positions of officials in order to develop tactics to confront these developing challenges," Mr Maliki said.

Iraqi MPs have demanded that top ministers face questions in parliament over security.

The bombings came two days after Iraq's parliament backed a new election law and set delayed polls for 7 March. (ANA)

FA/ANA/10 December 2009----