Elderly man killed, several injured in Najaf tribal clash

NAJAF — A violent tribal conflict erupted Wednesday evening in the Al-Zarka area of Najaf governorate, leaving one elderly man dead and several others injured, according to provincial and security sources. The clash also temporarily stranded a group of pilgrims traveling to Karbala for the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Maher Al-Aboudi, director of public relations for Najaf Health, told 964media that eight individuals injured in the Al-Zarka incident were admitted to Al-Sadr Medical City. Among the injured were both Iraqi and Iranian pilgrims taking part in the religious procession.

Najaf police vowed to take decisive action against those responsible for the violence, which occurred in the northern part of the Kufa district. “The security forces will not hesitate to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Najaf Police Chief Maj. Gen. Alaa Jaber Hashim said in a statement.

In a related development, the Najaf Police Command reported the arrest of 70 suspects linked to the tribal dispute. Authorities also seized weapons and ammunition as operations continue to apprehend all those involved in the conflict.

The clash, marked by an exchange of gunfire, caused multiple injuries, including among pilgrims walking to Karbala. Police eventually brought the situation under control.

On April 29, the Ministry of Interior announced that it had resolved 400 tribal disputes in the first four months of 2024, with most being non-violent. The ministry’s spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Maqdad Miri, attributed the reduction in tribal conflicts, which remain a significant threat to social peace and security, to intensified efforts and measures aimed at curbing “tribal retaliation” (Dikka al-Asha’iriyah).

“The ministry successfully resolved 400 tribal disputes during the first quarter of this year, including 27 armed conflicts and 373 non-armed disputes,” Miri said. He said that resolving tribal disputes through legal and ‘peaceful means’, rather than through violence, remains a priority.

The Shiite Muslim Arbaeen pilgrimage marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Millions of religious tourists, including those from Lebanon, Turkey, Kuwait, and especially Iran, participate in the symbolic 80-kilometer walk from Najaf to Karbala, both of which are considered holy cities in Shiite Islam.