Renewed Protests, Roadblocks Sweep Southern Iraq

Part of the clashes between protesters and security forces in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq(AFP)
Part of the clashes between protesters and security forces in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq(AFP)
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Renewed Protests, Roadblocks Sweep Southern Iraq

Part of the clashes between protesters and security forces in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq(AFP)
Part of the clashes between protesters and security forces in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq(AFP)

Despite overwhelming reports of activists being targeted and security forces using brute force to suppress demonstrations, anti-government protestors continued to rally across Iraq’s southern Dhi Qar province, especially in its capital, Nasiriyah.

Dozens have been injured and an activist has been killed, local activists in Nasiriyah reported.

They said the clashes erupted in Haboubi square after anti-riot forces used tear gas and batons in an effort to disperse the protesters who threatened to bring back their tents after having removed them early last December.

“Protesters have regained control of Haboubi Square, and will not leave it until their demands are met, the prosecution of protesters ceases, and all those who were arrested are released,” Iraqi activist Abbas as-Sadawi told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Dozens were arrested and a protester was killed by security forces’ gunfire at Ibrahim Al-Khalil Square,” Sadawi confirmed.

No security or independent sources, however, have yet confirmed the killing of the activist.

“Nasiriyah is occupied by militias who are trying to take revenge on the people of the city who burned their headquarters last year,” Sadawi noted.

As for why protesters are escalating, activist Ghazwan Adnan says that “the movement is fed up with being targeted by armed groups operating under the umbrella of security forces, and no longer trusts the government to keep its promises on holding perpetrators accountable.”

“Armed groups, in less than a month, have targeted the homes of 18 activists without the authorities taking any action to deter the threat,” Adnan told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“It is widely believed that parties affiliated with the Sadrist Movement are behind the attacks,” he added, noting that the protest movement demands the removal of the local police chief over his conspiring with the attackers.

Today, according to Adnan, anti-government activists in Iraq fear getting attacked or arrested more than ever.

“Protesters have recently resorted to cordoning off areas with burning tires,” he explained.

“Today, most of the neighborhoods in Nasiriyah, as well as in some districts and sub-districts in the governorate, have been cut off, with the aim of putting pressure on the authorities and stopping the arrests and targeting of activists,” he added.



Israel Declares 'New Phase' of War, Netanyahu Promises to Return Citizens of the North

FILED - 02 September 2024, Israel, Jerusalem: Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference. Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO/dpa
FILED - 02 September 2024, Israel, Jerusalem: Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference. Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO/dpa
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Israel Declares 'New Phase' of War, Netanyahu Promises to Return Citizens of the North

FILED - 02 September 2024, Israel, Jerusalem: Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference. Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO/dpa
FILED - 02 September 2024, Israel, Jerusalem: Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference. Photo: Avi Ohayon/GPO/dpa

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday that Israel was “at the start of a new phase in the war” amid rising tension with Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

“We are at the start of a new phase in the war — it requires courage, determination and perseverance,” Gallant told Israeli troops.

He made no mention of the explosions of electronic devices in Lebanon but praised the work of Israel’s army and security agencies, saying “the results are very impressive.”

Israeli leaders have issued a series of warnings in recent weeks that they might increase operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying they must put a stop to the cross-border exchanges to allow people to return to homes near the border.

Israel began moving more troops to its border with Lebanon on Wednesday as a precautionary measure, according to an official with knowledge of the movements who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

In his comments, Gallant said that after months of fighting Hamas in the Gaza Strip, “the center of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces.”

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu huddled with top security officials at Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, the country's army chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said plans have been drawn up for additional action against Hezbollah.

Israel will ensure that tens of thousands of residents evacuated from northern border areas will be able to go back home, Netanyahu said on Wednesday.

"I have said it before, we will return the citizens of the north to their homes in security and that's exactly what we are going to do," he said in a brief video statement, giving no further details.

Israeli sources with knowledge of the matter said the army had moved its 98th Division, which includes commando and paratrooper formations, from Gaza to the north.