Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki warned Friday of likely attacks across the country and put all local governments and security forces on high alert.
In a statement read on state television, al-Maliki -- commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces -- said there were indications that "al Qaeda and remnants of the Baath party with foreign backing are planning to carry out a series of bombings in Baghdad and the other provinces".
The statement, which came shortly before midnight in Iraq, said the attacks would strike across the country, targeting government institutions in particular.
"We call on local governments and the security forces to take the maximum levels of precaution," the statement said.
The warning came two days after a wave of 20 bomb attacks struck 13 Iraqi cities, mostly targeting police. The bombs killed 48 and wounded at least 286.
Wednesday's attacks increased fears among Iraqis about the ability of their security forces to protect them, especially as the United States is withdrawing forces from Iraq. CNN
