Iraqis Fear Resurgence of Assassinations

Top security delegation offering condolences in Diyala on Wednesday (INA)
Top security delegation offering condolences in Diyala on Wednesday (INA)
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Iraqis Fear Resurgence of Assassinations

Top security delegation offering condolences in Diyala on Wednesday (INA)
Top security delegation offering condolences in Diyala on Wednesday (INA)

Iraqi lawmakers and human rights experts have warned against the resurgence of assassinations in the country.

Last week, a colonel was assassinated in Ramadi for unknown reasons. On Tuesday, the renowned cardiologist in Diyala, Dr. Ahmed Talal al-Medfai, was killed, sparking outrage in the province.

Earlier, an activist was assassinated in Babil, south of Baghdad, and environmental activist Jassem al-Asadi was kidnapped and later released after his abduction angered the public.

Meanwhile, member of parliament Ahmed Mazhar confirmed that security in Diyala province has been unstable because of ISIS and its affiliated groups.

Mazhar told Asharq Al-Awsat that the remaining ISIS hideouts are in the Hamrin mountain range between Diyala, Saladin, and Kirkuk.

However, he said armed criminal gangs are attacking and terrorizing the civilians, hinting at political motives, especially since the provincial elections are to be held soon.

Mazhar affirmed that lawmakers are preparing for an emergency session of parliament to discuss the matter.

Furthermore, the head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights Center, Fadel al-Gharawi, indicated that the increase in assassination rates this month threatens Iraqi citizens, stressing that the right to security and safety is one of the fundamental rights that the state must provide for citizens.

Gharawi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the assassinations have various reasons ranging from terrorist, criminal, or tribal motives.

The expert asserted that responding to such operations is primarily the authorities' responsibility, regardless of the motive of the crime, noting that this requires boosting efforts and supporting the security services.

He also believed that security plans should be reviewed, which requires funding the project to install thermographic cameras in all provinces.

Gharawi noted that the Judicial Council must consider the assassinations as terrorist cases, regardless of the motive.



Fierce Fighting in Syria's Manbij as Tensions Rise in Homs, Coastal Areas

Men suspected of being part of militias or loyalist soldiers of ousted president Bashar Assad are detained by members of the new security forces during an operation in Homs, Syria, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Men suspected of being part of militias or loyalist soldiers of ousted president Bashar Assad are detained by members of the new security forces during an operation in Homs, Syria, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
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Fierce Fighting in Syria's Manbij as Tensions Rise in Homs, Coastal Areas

Men suspected of being part of militias or loyalist soldiers of ousted president Bashar Assad are detained by members of the new security forces during an operation in Homs, Syria, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Men suspected of being part of militias or loyalist soldiers of ousted president Bashar Assad are detained by members of the new security forces during an operation in Homs, Syria, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Syria’s new authorities are cracking down on former regime cells in Alawite neighborhoods in Homs and coastal areas, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday.

At the same time, heavy fighting broke out in northern Syria’s Manbij between Turkish-backed groups and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to the UK-based monitor.

The Observatory reported that at least 28 Türkiye-backed fighters were killed in the clashes, and Turkish forces heavily shelled SDF-held areas.

The SDF accused Turkish-backed forces of launching a major assault on villages near Manbij, but said they had repelled the attacks around the Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates River.

Türkiye wants to expel the Kurdish People’s Defense Units (YPG), the backbone of the SDF, claiming they are linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group designated as terrorist.

At the same time, tensions have been increasing in the Alawite-majority neighborhoods of Homs as authorities conduct raids for former regime members, with effects spreading to the coastal areas.

In Tartus, about 50 community leaders representing various religious and social groups met with political officials from Syria’s military leadership. During the four-hour meeting, they expressed concerns about the coastal region, home to many former regime supporters.

The discussion focused on maintaining peace and unity in Syria, especially in the coastal areas, following updates on the political and international situation.

Lara Aizouqi, moderator of a press session organized by the Stabilization Support Unit (SSU), told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meeting included a wide range of local community members from various religious and social groups, as well as political representatives from Syria's military leadership.

Aizouqi said the community’s main demand was security.

A proposal was made to create local protection committees, allowing each area to safeguard itself and prevent chaos, with a commitment to handing over wanted individuals in exchange for guarantees against reprisals.