Southern Iraq (South Central and South East Regions)
The South Central Region reported eight incidents during the period; a slight increase on last week’s figure and on par with the 2012 weekly average. Incident levels in the southern half of Iraq continue to remain significantly lower than those seen in the central and northern half of the country. Two VBIED attacks were reported this week both occurred on 14 November and were likely connected with attacks elsewhere in Iraq on that day. The first attack occurred south of Hillah in Hamza al Gharbi, killing ten and injured many more. This was the second week in a row that Babil has been targeted with a VBIED. The second VBIED attack targeted Shia in Aziziya, northwest of Kut in Wasit province. In comparison to last week, there was an increase in ISF search operations in the northern areas of Babil. Iskandariya, Musayyib and Jurf al Sakr were also the focus of ISF operations that resulted in the arrest of several alleged AQI members, and the find of weapons, ammunition and explosives. Elsewhere, IEDs linked to local Sunni Arab insurgents were reported in Iskandariya and Jurf al Sakr, targeting a government employee, a member of the judiciary, and the Badr Organisation Headquarters. A rocket also impacted close to a Shia mosque in Mussayib.
The South East Region reported 12 incidents during the period; an increase on last week’s figure and above the 2012 weekly average of eight. The majority of this week’s incidents occurred in Basra province with the exception of one in Dhi Qar, and one in Maysan. The majority of incidents in the region remain linked to family, tribal or criminal disputes. There were four murders in Basra province this week involving shootings and stabbings. There were two IED detonations (on 12 and 13 November) in the Hay al Zahraa area of Basra City; the second one targeting a doctor. Basra Operations Command (BaOC) released details of their security plans for the forthcoming Ashura celebrations, placing an emphasis on intelligence collection and the use of media for relaying security announcements. A number of anti-terrorism related arrests were also reported over the period.
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