Clashes erupt between tribes in Wasit, security forces arrest several in Sheikh Saad

WASIT — A violent clash erupted late Sunday night between the Kaab and Bani Lam tribes in Sheikh Saad, east of Kut, as a long-standing feud between the two sides turned deadly.

Eyewitnesses told 964media that the fighting lasted for about an hour, with security forces intervening to contain the situation. “It was impossible to determine the number of casualties due to the intensity of the gunfire,” one witness reported, noting that both machine guns and RPGs were heard during the conflict.

964media also obtained video footage from the area, which captured the sound of heavy weapons and visible gunfire being exchanged between the two sides.

On Monday, Wasit Police Command announced that Lt. Gen. Mohammed Qassim Al-Fahd, the Wasit Police Chief, personally oversaw the efforts to enforce order in Sheikh Saad. He confirmed that a significant number of individuals involved in the conflict had been arrested and their weapons confiscated. “Security forces are conducting thorough searches of residential areas to apprehend all parties involved and seize any remaining weapons,” it said in a statement.

The Wasit Police Command assured residents that they will take decisive action against anyone attempting to disrupt the peace. “We will be a firm hand against anyone who dares to tamper with the security of the governorate,” they stated, pledging that the individuals responsible for inciting this violence will face severe legal consequences.

As of Monday, police operations continue in an effort to arrest all participants in the tribal conflict and restore stability to Sheikh Saad and the surrounding areas.

Tribal conflicts in Iraq, often rooted in long-standing land disputes, honor-based grievances, or retaliation, are common and can involve violent confrontations that disrupt local communities. These disputes sometimes take months or years to resolve and often require significant intervention from local authorities to restore order.

On April 29, the Ministry of Interior reported resolving 400 tribal disputes in the first four months of 2024, with most being non-violent. Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Maqdad Miri credited the decrease in tribal conflicts to enhanced efforts to curb tribal retaliation.