Iraq: Officials implement indefinite curfew in Al Islah District, Dhi Qar Governorate, March 4

The Iraqi Interior Ministry has implemented an indefinite curfew in Al Islah District, Dhi Qar Governorate, as of March 4 due to recent tribal violence. On March 3, Brigadier General Aziz Shalal Jahl, head of intelligence at Dhi Qar's counterterrorism directorate, was killed while attempting to resolve the conflict. Approximately 75 people have been arrested in relation to the dispute, and officials have launched operations to seize weapons and arrest all those involved in the violence. Officials have confirmed that the curfew will remain in place until the investigation is concluded.

Officials will likely deploy additional security personnel to monitor and enforce the curfew order. Disruptions to road travel and business operations are likely. Should armed groups fail to disperse or if they fail to heed curfew orders, confrontations are possible. Acts of retaliation targeting actual or suspected assailants linked to the March 3 incident are also possible.