October 9, 2006

After Ammar al Hakeem last visit to Basra, trying to gain support for the division project and the wide opposition he has faced by the political blocks, Basra has witnessed after his departure a huge assasination campaign targeting the ex Ba’ath members.

SCIRI and Badr forces have realized Basra people rejection for the federalism project, people have assaulted his convoy in Haiyaniah area by throwing him with stones, an IED detonation targeted his convoy in al Ebellah area, moreover, Sestani agents in Basra have opposed his project as well, all these incidents have been interpreted by SCIRI and the Badr forces, that who ever is standing behind that, are (Shiite) Ba’thists.

Groups affiliated to Badr forces have return back to what they have been doing of killing the Shiite Ba’thists since non of the Sunni Ba’thists have stayed in Basra, they have either left escaping from assasination, or have already faced death.

It has been noticed lately that many police officers have been assassinated especially those who works in the MCU or the Iraqi intelligence.

Many parties are accusing groups affiliated to Basra governor of perpetrating such actions as a reaction of the assassination attempt he was subjected to last week, Basra governor accused MCU officer Muhammad Mesbeh al Wa’eli of setting that up to him.
-------

We would like to thank Zainab for kindly providing this translation for the Iraqi League.