Sectarian violence returns to eastern Iraq: Gov’t imposes state of emergency amid accusations against Kadhimi
In a clear return to sectarian
violence in Iraq, the Iranian armed militias included in the Popular
Mobilization Forces (PMF) escalated their attacks on Sunni villages and areas
in Diyala Governorate in eastern Iraq, leading a massive displacement campaign
against the people in an effort to vacate the area and replace them with its
forces.
The escalation of security incidents
in the city of Diyala portends the country's return to sectarian war after the
killing of dozens and the displacement of hundreds of Sunni citizens.
State of
emergency
For its part, the security
authorities in the governorate declared a state of emergency and high alert in
anticipation of new attacks by Shiite militias, who recently carried out a
series of attacks on villages near the city of Muqdadiya in the east of the
province.
One night after the authorities
imposed a curfew in Muqdadiya and its suburbs due to the violence, the Chief of
Staff of the Iraqi Army, Lieutenant-General Abdul Amir Yarallah, visited Diyala
Governorate, accompanied by the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations,
Lieutenant-General Abdul Amir al-Shammari.
Significant
fear
There is currently a fear that
terrorist militias will carry out armed attacks on other villages, as mortar
shelling by these militias has targeted different villages in recent days,
along with the continued burning and bulldozing of orchards.
According to local media reports,
the villages around Muqdadiya are still witnessing a significant fear among the
residents who were unable to flee, due to PMF militias continuing to roam
freely during the curfew period during which movement was prohibited by order
of the security forces. The security forces deployed heavily, believing that
the army was unable to prevent militia attacks, as it was unable to prevent
them in the past.
Despite the spread of security
forces, the militias continued their attacks and were not stopped, while
journalists and media were prevented from reaching the displaced to convey the
true picture of the events. The Ministry of Defense’s action was mainly limited
to facilitating displacement, while the Ministry of Immigration announced that
the displaced would be registered in camps to host them, as a plan was
announced to disburse cash benefits to the displaced. The terrorist militias
aim to seize the governorate, which borders Iran, and make it their
headquarters.
Tacit
accusations
Some accused Iraqi Prime Minister
Mustafa al-Kadhimi of keeping silent about the cleansing crimes taking place in
the villages of Diyala Governorate in the post-election period in which
political forces are agreed to form the government, adding that his silence
will enhance his chances of obtaining a second term by winning the favor of the
militias and political forces affiliated with Iran.
