Six killed in family dispute inside pilgrim service tent in southern Iraq

BASRA — A deadly clash erupted Saturday morning inside a religious service tent in Abu Al-Khaseeb district, south of Basra, leaving six people dead and five others wounded, according to local security officials. The violence broke out in the Bab Taweel area, along the road to Faw, and included one fatality who was a passerby uninvolved in the fighting.

The confrontation occurred inside a mawkib khidmi — a volunteer-run service tent typically set up to support pilgrims during major Shiite religious occasions. These tents offer food, water, lodging, and other support to travelers, especially during large events like Arbaeen.

Security sources told 964media that the shootout stemmed from a long-running feud within the Al-Jandeel clan, dating back to past protests over water salinity in the district. “The dispute escalated recently and turned into armed conflict inside a tent that was preparing to serve visitors,” the source said.

Five of the dead were from opposing sides of the family conflict, while the sixth was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. Authorities said 12 suspects were arrested and six vehicles were seized at the scene. Security units cordoned off the area, confiscated the weapons used in the gun battle, and opened an investigation into the incident.