Weekly Security Update 07 - 13 November 2013

Friday saw the beginning of a series of attacks against religious pilgrims that claimed the lives of at least 50 people.  The day started with a series of nationwide low yield bombings.  Eight lost their lives in a car bomb attack against the central market in Mosul and a further 4 died in a Sunni district of Baghdad after a shooting against worshippers attending the the start of Friday prayers.

By far the most spectacular attack was during a Shi'ite Muslim religious ritual in the eastern Iraqi city of al-Sadiya on Thursday, that killed at least 35 people and wounded approximately 75.  Reports mentioned that an insurgent infiltrated the ritual posing as a policeman and proceeded to detonate an explosive laden belt amongst throngs of Shiite Kurd worshippers.

In what can only be an isolated incident there was an attack against a major western interest this week as Shiite demonstrators invaded and vandalised a camp belonging to the Schlumberger Corporation who were operating a drilling rig in the Rumaila north.

The incident was a classic example of the socio religious sensitivities that prevail in Iraq.  A western security adviser had instructed local Shia employees to remove posters and banners associated with the revered Imam Hussein, whose death more than 1,000 years ago is currently being commemorated by Shi'ites across the world in rituals known as Ashura.  Upon refusing to do so the security adviser proceeded to tear down the materials, which resulted in some being damaged.  This so incensed the local workers they proceeded to riot.  In the ensuing row, the security adviser pulled out a gun and fired several shots, wounding an Iraqi.   The protestors smashed up offices and severely beat the foreign security adviser was reportedly taken to hospital with serious injuries.  A local official somewhat bluntly highlighted the situation by commenting to Reuters:  "The workers and villagers went on a rampage. It was a fatal mistake from the foreign security guy to provoke local workers, when you operate in a mainly Shi'ite community you have to respect their traditions and norms: it's the A B C of how to work in any environment."