Erbil, Washington – The visit of Iraqi former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to the south of Iraq and Basra drew protests and continued to trigger reactions, threatening of a second “Sawlat al-Fursan” similar to that conducted by Maliki in 2008 when he was a prime minister.
In this context, some tribes in Karbala threatened to launch operations for the purpose of supporting the Islamic Call Party headed by Maliki. According to a broadcasted video, Twarij (hometown of Maliki) witnessed tribal protest against demonstrators who pushed Maliki to leave the city last Sunday.
Weapons were visible in Twarij along with posters that warned Basra tribes of armed operations—a poster read as follows: Karbala tribes stand united with Maliki and are fully prepared to carry on a second Sawlat al-Fursan in Basra.
Basra Board member Ahmad al-Saliti stressed that the current situation requires avoiding causing conflicts among tribes or protestors in Basra, knowing that some demonstrators raided a news conference held by Maliki in Basra last Sunday.
“Maliki left the hall following the attack,” said a security source in Basra.
In light of Basra incidents, the Islamic Call Party issued a statement considering that those who protested against the secretary general of the party are a few outlaws whose “murders were terminated in Sawlat al-Fursan. They belong to a political bloc known for its chaos.”
“These outlaws will face a second Sawlat al-Fursan to defend Basra and its good people who will protect the city from criminals,” added the statement.
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