Basra Tribal Council Advocates Against Sectarian Violence in Syria

The Unified Tribal Council in Basra has urged for enhanced PMF support and security measures in Iraq amidst growing unrest in Syria. The council accuses regional powers of funding extremist factions, calls for stricter vetting of Syrian nationals, and emphasizes the importance of government preparedness against sectarian violence.

The Unified Tribal Council in Basra, Iraq, is advocating for the government to bolster the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and enhance security amid rising unrest in Syria. During a recent press conference, the council highlighted the need for a decisive response to regional instability due to escalating tensions from events in Palestine, Lebanon, and assaults on the Alawite community in Syria. They framed these developments as part of a larger geopolitical conflict concerning normalization efforts and shifts in regional power.

The council accused Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan of supporting extremist factions in Syria, asserting that these groups, aligned with transitional President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, are responsible for mass atrocities against unarmed civilians, exacerbated by regional support and a lack of international accountability. Furthermore, the council urged Iraq’s religious and political authorities, alongside its government branches, to prepare for all potential scenarios in this fluid situation.

Among the demands presented were stricter security vetting for Syrian nationals in Iraq, legal actions against those inciting sectarianism, specifically mentioning figures like Khamis al-Khanjar, and exercising caution in relationships with Al-Sharaa’s government. The council called for the approval of the PMF Service and Retirement Law to reinforce the PMF’s capabilities.

In a parallel development, the Shia Followers of Ahl al-Bayt announced a demonstration to be held in Basra to express solidarity with the “persecuted” Shia communities in Syria and highlight their readiness to combat extremist threats. This protest is a reaction to the severe sectarian violence in Syria, particularly against the Alawite community, where casualties have reportedly exceeded 1,000 since March 2025.

Additionally, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani conducted an official visit to Baghdad, meeting with key Iraqi officials, including the Prime Minister and Parliament Speaker. This visit marked the first significant diplomatic engagement between Baghdad and Damascus since Al-Sharaa’s assumption of power, with a focus on security coordination to address the growing concern over terrorist infiltration in Syria’s desert areas.

In summary, the Basra Tribal Council has emphatically expressed the necessity for governmental action regarding Syria’s escalating sectarian violence, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and regional stability. The call for stricter vetting of Syrian nationals and legal accountability for sectarian incitement illustrates their commitment to maintaining peace. Moreover, the recent diplomatic dialogue between Iraq and Syria signifies a critical step towards addressing security challenges in the region.

Original Source: shafaq.com