BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: A blast was heard near the heavily-fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad as proceedings of the Arab League Summit hosted in the Iraqi capital started on Thursday.

 

 

“An explosion was heard near the entrance of the Green Zone, followed by gunfire that stopped later,” a witness told Aswat al-Iraq news agency.

 

 

A few minutes ago, the 23rd AL Summit started in Baghdad, where representatives of 21 Arab countries, including 10 Arab leaders, are taking part.

 

 

The Iraqi capital has seen unprecedented tight security measures for the ordinary session hosted in Baghdad for the third time in its history.

 

 

Authorities cut off cell phone networks and announced an official five-day holiday.

 

 

AmR (TP)/SR