Officials in Iraq wary on day of soccer finals

BAGHDAD — Authorities planned stepped-up patrols in Baghdad today as they intensified security to prevent a repeat of car bombings that killed dozens of revelers celebrating Iraq's progress to the finals of Asia's top soccer tournament last week.

Undeterred by the violence, Iraqi soccer fans prepared to celebrate if their national team beats Saudi Arabia and takes the Asian Cup for the first time. But many said they would be more cautious this time.

The jubilation over Iraq's ascension to today's final in Jakarta, Indonesia, gave Iraqis a rare respite from the daily violence. The victorious run sent men of all ages cheering and dancing in the streets.

But extremists seemed just as determined to destroy national pride and unity. Two car bombs tore through crowds of revelers in two Baghdad neighborhoods, killing 50 people after Wednesday's semifinal against South Korea.

Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul Karim Khalaf said security forces would be on high alert today and patrols would be stepped up. The U.S. military also said it would position troops as necessary to maintain security nationwide.

"We also will urge people not to celebrate in groups and not go near security forces," Khalaf said. "The terrorists intend to kill as many people as they can in such events. We will also implement tough measures against those who shoot into the air."

Disciplinary action will be taken against members of the security forces who join in celebrations, he said after reports that soldiers left their posts and fired their weapons in the air after the recent victories.

In Kirkuk, 180 miles north of Baghdad, the police chief announced a 6 a.m.-9 p.m. vehicle ban today to prevent suicide car bombings. Jamal Dhahir also banned celebratory gunfire, warning that offenders would be jailed and weapons confiscated.

At least seven people were killed in Baghdad by such shooting after the Iraqi victories against Vietnam and South Korea last week.

Iraq never has reached the finals in the Asian Cup, the continent's premiere soccer event. A win today against three-time champion Saudi Arabia was certain to send soccer-crazy Iraqis back to the streets.

Already, stores selling Iraqi flags, baseball caps with the national colors and T-shirts reading "I am Iraqi" are reporting brisk business.

In violence Saturday, a parked-car bomb exploded in a busy shopping street in predominantly Shiite eastern Baghdad, killing at least four people and wounding 10, police said. It was the latest in a series of explosions targeting commercial centers.

The blast struck about noon, a peak time for street vendors and nearby stores along the Maaskar al-Rashid street, a popular gathering point for people selling tires and spare parts for automobiles.

At least 29 other people were killed or found dead nationwide.