90 suspected members of Al-Alaahiyah cult arrested in Wasit so far

WASIT – Iraq’s security forces in Wasit governorate arrested four individuals suspected of belonging to the extremist Shia cult Al-Alaahiyah, also known as Qurban, in the Al-Suwayrah district, located north of the governorate.

A security source informed 964media that the arrests were the result of continuous intelligence and security monitoring, which has uncovered many individuals affiliated with the group. “The total number of detainees connected to this group in Wasit has reached approximately 90 individuals so far,” the source added.

The group, an extremist Shia faction, advocates radical practices such as encouraging suicide during religious rituals and elevating Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib to a divine status, deviating from mainstream Shia teachings. These beliefs have resulted in multiple suicide incidents in Iraq’s southern governorates, prompting authorities to act against its members.

The operation, described as the culmination of “meticulous investigation”, faced challenges due to attempts by the suspects to evade capture.

Authorities have stated that the ongoing security efforts target extremist groups such as Al-Alaahiyah and other similar entities. The security source emphasized, “We possess sufficient information about these groups and will continue our efforts.”

The rise of the Al-Alaahiyah group has sparked concern among Iraqi religious leaders and security forces. Unlike mainstream Shia doctrine, which honors Imam Ali as the first Imam, the extremist group attributes divine status to him.

In July, the National Security Agency reported that it had infiltrated the movement, which urges its followers to draw lots that determine who will commit suicide by hanging.