Iraq's Sunni Muslims began three days of religious celebrations under tight security Thursday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Shi'ite religious authorities decreed their community would begin the Eid al-Fitr feast on Friday.
Little violence was reported as families gathered to pray, eat and celebrate the end of a month of reflection and fasting. In Baghdad, roadblocks and concrete barriers were erected to deter attacks.
Elsewhere, Iraqi troops were reported to be taking a more visible role on the streets than U.S.-led coalition forces.
But there was some disturbing news. An Internet statement attributed to Al-Qaida in Iraq, said the terrorist group plans to execute two kidnapped Moroccan embassy employees it says are guilty of loyalty to Morocco and the United States.
Also, two more American soldiers were reported killed Wednesday in Baghdad and Ramadi.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP.
