Iraq is building a 10-foot-high security wall around Baghdad in an attempt to defend against attacks by the jihadist group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (Isis), according to a statement released by the Iraqi military on 3 February.

The planned barrier will include a trench and will surround the city.

Preparatory work on the wall started on 1 February, according to the statement released by the head of Baghdad Operations Command, Lieutenant-General Abdul Ameer al-Shammari.

Surveillance cameras and explosives detection devices will also be installed, according to the statement.

Construction is starting in the area of Al-Subaihat, which lies between Baghdad and Fallujah, which lies to the west of Baghdad and is under the control of Isis.

The wall and the accompanying trench are going to be constructed by Iraqi security forces.