The Unified Tribal Council in Basra has called for strengthened Popular Mobilization Forces and enhanced security amidst rising sectarian violence in Syria. Accusing Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan of supporting extremist factions, the council outlined demands for improved vetting of Syrian nationals and legal actions against sectarian incitations. Their protest coincided with a significant diplomatic meeting between Iraqi and Syrian officials, emphasizing regional security concerns.
The Unified Tribal Council in Basra, Iraq, has urged the government to bolster the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and improve security measures due to escalating unrest in Syria. During a press conference held amidst protests, council members emphasized the need for a decisive governmental response to rising regional tensions, referencing conflicts in Palestine and Lebanon, as well as assaults on Alawite citizens in Syria. They characterized these events as part of a significant geopolitical conflict, encompassing efforts for normalization and shifts in regional power dynamics.
The council attributed the rise of extremist groups in Syria to the actions of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, accusing them of facilitating violence against civilians by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa’s factions with regional and international support. They also called upon religious and political leaders, as well as Iraq’s governmental institutions, to prepare for varying scenarios. Among their key demands were enhanced security vetting for Syrian nationals in Iraq and legal measures against those instigating sectarian disturbancess.
Additionally, the council cautioned against extending invitations to the Al-Sharaa government. The Tribal Council also advocated for the approval of the PMF Service and Retirement Law, emphasizing the strengthening of the PMF amidst growing sectarian violence, particularly affecting the Alawite communities that have experienced substantial casualties since March 2025.
In a related demonstration, the Shia Followers of Ahl al-Bayt planned a protest expressing solidarity with persecuted Shia individuals in Syria while underscoring their readiness to confront extremist threats. This protest followed rising sectarian violence targeting Shia communities in the region.
Moreover, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani’s visit to Baghdad marks a significant diplomatic interaction, where discussions with Iraqi leadership centered on security coordination. Iraq has expressed heightened concerns regarding the proliferation of terrorist groups in the regions adjacent to Syria.
In conclusion, the Unified Tribal Council in Basra has publicly denounced sectarian violence in Syria while urging the Iraqi government to enhance security measures and support the PMF. Their actions reflect a comprehensive approach to confronting extremism and safeguarding vulnerable communities amid ongoing geopolitical turmoil. The recent diplomatic engagements between Iraq and Syria underline the urgency of collaborative security efforts in the face of rising regional instability.
Original Source: shafaq.com
