Iraq terror alert for Shiite holy day

Iraqi authorities have set up new checkpoints and warned innkeepers to watch for suspicious people – all part of security measures to protect Shiites marking the holiest day of their calendar this week.

The measures were put in place yesterday ahead of the feast of Ashoura to prevent a repeat of suicide bombings by al-Qaida in Iraq that killed at least 230 people during the past two years’ ceremonies.