Southern Iraq (South Central and South East Regions)
The South Central Region reported just one incident during the period, a significant reduction from last week’s twelve month-high figure of 19 and well below the current weekly average of 12. An IDF attack in the Jurf al-Sakr area of northern Babil on 26 January damaged a number of houses and vehicles. The area is synonymous with Sunni insurgent activity, and regularly experiences targeted attacks against ISF and government employees. IDF is a relatively infrequent attack method used in Jurf al-Sakr, with just three incidents of its use being recorded there in 2012. The absence of activity this week in the region may be in part due to the depletion of resources of local insurgent groups after a period of heightened activity last week.
The South East Region reported four incidents this week, all of which occurred in Basra Province. This is equal to last week’s figure and remains below the weekly average of five for the region as a whole. The South-East Region continues to remain comparatively quiet, compared to the central and northern regions. There were two murders reported in Basra City this week, reflecting a decrease in recent months of murders in Basra Province, following higher levels witnessed in the third quarter of 2012. In the wider province, two shooting incidents were reported near Qurna District, one provoked by inter-tribal fighting, and the other against police making arrests. Given the close proximity of both incidents, it is likely that these incidents were connected. There was just one small demonstration reported, which took place in Basra City and was in support of the government.
Comments are closed.