27-03-2004, 03:59
Palestinian security forces could be seen everywhere, as they prepare for any attacks that could come from either al-Qaida and other fundamentalist groups. Border security was tightened up and all military personnel have been called up to serve, including reservists.
Iraqi forces, numbering about 75,000, have too been out in force. Many Iraqi troops have now intermingled with their Palestinian counterparts, but there are many independent units, especially in the Gaza Strip. No one can get near to any government buildings without going through heavily guarded checkpoints.
President Yasser Arafat himself, has left his complex in Ramallah, favouring an undisclosed location protected by 'Brigade Arafat', his most elite and loyalist troops.
Iraqi forces, numbering about 75,000, have too been out in force. Many Iraqi troops have now intermingled with their Palestinian counterparts, but there are many independent units, especially in the Gaza Strip. No one can get near to any government buildings without going through heavily guarded checkpoints.
President Yasser Arafat himself, has left his complex in Ramallah, favouring an undisclosed location protected by 'Brigade Arafat', his most elite and loyalist troops.