Iraq's premier orders end of decade-old Baghdad curfew

BAGHDAD – Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ordered the end of a decade-old midnight curfew in Baghdad.

A government statement issued Thursday says the midnight to 5 a.m. curfew, first implemented in 2004, will be lifted starting Saturday.

The move appeared to be aimed at restoring a sense of normalcy to the capital, where residents enjoyed a vibrant night life before the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. The curfew was imposed as security deteriorated following his ouster.