Tensions have clouded the Al-Iskandariya area in Babil Governorate, southern Iraq, since last Thursday, following a family feud that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others, amid fears of a renewed outbreak of conflict. Politicians and local sources told "Sky News Arabia" that the incident was a pure crime that could happen anywhere in the world, rejecting any attempts to give it a tribal or sectarian context, as some are trying to do.
**Security Forces Intervention**
Iraqi security forces intervened after the altercation erupted, imposing a curfew in the Al-Iskandariya area, including the Al-Asriya village, also known as Al-Haswa, where the crime occurred. They also blocked the road between Baghdad and Karbala leading to that highly tense area. Local security sources confirmed to "Sky News Arabia" that "despite the urgency and sensitivity of the situation, they are working to maintain order and calm emotions, addressing the issue through legal means and under the supervision of security and governmental agencies."
The situation began with a verbal altercation among several individuals in Al-Asriya village, which escalated into a fight that resulted in the deaths of two members of the same clan and injuries to others. This sparked immense anger within the affected clan, while security forces attempted to manage the situation to prevent further escalation, especially given that the area is known for its tribal dynamics.
**Framing the Incident**
In this context, Mohannad Al-Janabi, a political science professor, told "Sky News Arabia": "The incident occurred due to a dispute between owners of neighboring shops, which led to the killing of two brothers from the Al-Janabi clan by individuals belonging to the Al-Jabbour clan. In light of the prevailing atmosphere of tension and resentment due to this heinous crime, the chief of the Al-Janabi clan has called on government authorities to enforce the law and punish the perpetrators."
He added, "Unfortunately, there are influential entities within some tribes in the area that are empowered by certain sectarian armed militias; hence it's crucial for the members of the Al-Jabbour and Al-Janabi clans to work together to close the chapter on this horrific crime through the prosecution of the guilty parties to ensure justice is served."
He asserted, "This incident is certainly not a dispute between the two tribes, nor is it a sectarian conflict as some are trying to depict it; for instance, the Al-Janabi clan is a mixed sectarian tribe, comprising both Sunni and Shia, as are the Al-Jabbour."
On his part, Walid Ibrahim, a resident of Al-Asriya village, mentioned to "Sky News Arabia": "Two of our sons were killed in broad daylight without justification, and two others are in critical condition in the hospital. Some perpetrators have been handed over to security forces, but we demand the arrest of the rest to ensure justice is served and to prevent further discord and bloodshed."
**No Other Implications**
Moreover, former Iraqi MP Zaid Al-Suwaidan, who is from the area, stated in an interview with "Sky News Arabia": "What occurred is a heinous crime, but it is purely criminal, and naturally, we do not hold the clan of the perpetrators accountable for their horrific act. Although the situation is tense and charged in the area, we are keen on addressing the matter wisely and rationally, without succumbing to recklessness and retaliatory actions."
He continued: "Our demand is for the remaining perpetrators to be handed over, as several have already been apprehended. It is essential now for us as the area's residents from various tribes to unite and contain the crisis, ensuring that the law takes its course and that the guilty do not escape punishment."
The former Iraqi parliamentarian added: "This altercation is akin to any similar incident that could happen in a market or public space, and it holds no sectarian connotations. We, the Al-Jabbour and Al-Janabi, are brothers and cousins, bonded by historical ties that individual incidents cannot tarnish. The crime was committed by perpetrators who will be punished under the law for their actions, and this does not imply condemning the clan to which they belong."
