Iraqi security forces on Sunday set up checkpoints and manned them alongside unarmed members of a militia group, Iraqi
police officials said, to protect anti-government
protesters in central Baghdad plazas, two days after a deadly attack by unknown gunmen.
The militia group, Saraya Salam or Peace Brigades, are linked to influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and have been present in Tahrir Square, the epicenter of Iraq's protest movement, where they have offered protection for hundreds of peaceful demonstrators.