Iraq says closes borders with Syria, Iran

BAGHDAD, Feb 13 (Reuters) Iraq's government said today it had closed its borders with Syria and Iran and extended the hours of a night curfew in Baghdad under a US- backed security plan to rein in violence in the capital.

The measures ordered by Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki were announced on Iraqiya state television by Lieutenant General Abboud Qanbar, the Iraqi commander who is leading the US-backed security offensive in Baghdad.

Qanbar said the border with Iran would be closed for 72 hours. He did not say how long the border with Syria will be closed.

Reuters SSC DB2136