Southern Iraq (South Central and South East Regions)
Activity levels in the South Central Region was very subdued during this reporting period with a total of three incidents reported, compared to 11 for the previous period. This weeks figure sits significantly below the 2012 weekly average of nine and continues to demonstrate that the south of the country remains significantly quieter in terms of incidents than the rest of Iraq (less the KRG). This week recorded one improvised explosive device (IED) find, which was disarmed on the main road between Hilla and Baghdad, an under-vehicle IED in Musayyib, and a shooting which killed a civilian in Kut. There were a number of anti-terrorism operations that took place in Babil and Wasit, resulting in the detention of at least thirty-four people.
Reported activity in the South East Region for this week increased to 14, compared to ten for the previous period. This weeks figure is double the 2012 weekly average of seven. Four IED incidents were recorded (one of which was a find outside the house of Lieutenant Colonel in the Directorate of Security and Intelligence). Two stun-grenade attacks (one targeting a café in Basra city) and two shooting incidents were also reported. One of the shooting incidents – which resulted in two deaths – occurred in Rifa’i, Dhi Qar and is reported to be connected to the series of incidents reported last month linked to a tribal dispute. An explosion followed by five to six rounds of small arms fire (SAF) was also reported in the area of Maqil Port in Basra, although the incident was not confirmed by official sources. A demonstration in Zubayr reportedly ended with ISF firing live ammunition to disperse the crowd of protesters. There were five reported murders in Basra city this week, including the killing of a judge.
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