Sectarian violence returns to eastern Iraq: Gov’t imposes state of emergency amid accusations against Kadhimi

Eslam Mohamed

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.