Iraqi convoys ordered to silence their sirens

Iraqis whose ears have been battered by years of explosions, gunfire and rocket attacks can rest a little easier - the government has banned the nerve-wracking sirens so loved by security convoys.

"Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki decided to take harsh measures against the convoys of government officials who disturb the people by firing in the air or driving against traffic," the interior ministry's spokesman said.

General Abdel Karim Khalaf told a news conference that the use of "sirens will also be banned and permitted only in emergency situations or when security forces are chasing criminals during traffic jams."