The Unified Tribal Council of Basra calls for strengthening the Popular Mobilization Forces to combat sectarian violence arising from regional tensions. They accused certain neighboring countries of supporting extremist factions in Syria and outlined demands for stricter security measures and legal actions against inciters of sectarianism. The current unrest, particularly targeting Alawites, has led to over 1,000 deaths in Syria since March 2025, prompting an urgent call for government response.
The Unified Tribal Council of Basra, Iraq, has publicly urged the government to bolster the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and enhance security measures in light of the escalating unrest in Syria. During a press conference amidst a protest on Monday night, the council emphasized the need for a robust governmental response to the regional tensions, which they linked to broader geopolitical issues, including events in Palestine and Lebanon and attacks on Alawites in Syria.
The council attributed the rise in extremism to the support provided by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to extremist factions in Syria. They criticized the actions of transitional President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s government, alleging that it has engaged in mass killings of unarmed civilians with regional and international complicity.
Moreover, the Tribal Council has called upon religious and political leaders as well as the three branches of Iraq’s government to prepare for various scenarios. They demanded stricter vetting of Syrian nationals residing in Iraq, legal action against individuals inciting sectarian violence, and cautioned against engaging with Al-Sharaa’s government.
As part of their initiative, they are advocating for the approval of the PMF Service and Retirement Law and the strengthening of PMF. Concurrently, the Shia Followers of Ahl al-Bayt also announced a demonstration to display solidarity with Shia communities in Syria, emphasizing their willingness to confront extremist threats.
The council’s protest is a response to the recent surge in sectarian violence targeting the Alawite community in Syria, which has led to over 1,000 reported fatalities in coastal areas since March 2025. Recently, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani made a diplomatic visit to Baghdad, signaling a renewed focus on security collaboration between the two nations due to concerns over the increase of terrorist groups in Syria’s desert regions.
Iraq’s Unified Tribal Council has unequivocally condemned the rise of sectarian violence in Syria and called for immediate action by the Iraqi government to enhance security and strengthen the Popular Mobilization Forces. The council’s statements underline the interconnectedness of regional conflicts and the necessity for diplomatic engagement, evidenced by the recent visit of the Syrian Foreign Minister to Baghdad. The ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable communities in Syria reflect Iraq’s commitment to regional stability amid rising tensions.
Original Source: shafaq.com
