The Baghdad Today website quoted a security source saying that the attacks are planned before the end of the holy fasting month, which finishes by Friday, June 15, with Eid al-Fitr.

The source said authorities in Babil province have intensified their security measures after learning of potential attacks by IS targeting central and southern Iraq provinces.

He further added that the militants dub the scheme “Ghazwat Badr” (Badr Raid), a reference to the earliest Prophet Mohammed-era military encounters with the Jews of Makkah, according to Iraqi News.

According to the source, security was tightened at places of worship and public venues, while a campaign of arrests was launched for suspects.

Supporting the reports, London-based al-Quds al-Arabi quoted an Iraqi intelligence source saying that dormant cells affiliated with the extremist group were planning attacks by suicide bombers and explosive vehicles at commercial centers and other public places during Ramadan or Eid al-Fitr.

He said security authorities have launched a campaign of arrests, intensified searches at parking areas and deployed more informants at public venues to preempt potential attacks, adding that the group still imposes a security threat to the country, especially for Shia communities in the capital, Baghdad.

Reporter’s code: 50101