"We put in place a new plan to protect Baghdad," Brigadier General Saad Maan told AFP.

"The plan consists of intensifying the deployment of forces, and increasing intelligence efforts and the use of technology such as (observation) balloons and cameras and other equipment," Maan said.

He said coordination between security forces had also been increased.

"We have been in a war with terrorism for a while, and today the situation is exceptional," Maan said.

The report comes after militants belonging to terrorist group of ISIL vowed to march toward the Iraqi capital.

Iraqi officials say tens of thousands of volunteers have answered a call to join security forces and push back ISIL terrorists.

Sources say more than 30,000 people have signed up to defend Baghdad by Friday.

“There are no salaries,” media outlets quoted a senior Iraqi official as saying, adding, “It shows just how keen people are to fight [militants].”

The use of volunteers is part of what officials have described as a new strategy to protect Baghdad and its surroundings.

NJF/NJF