Iraq: Officials implement indefinite curfew in Iskandariya, Babil Governorate, Sept. 4

Event

Officials have implemented an indefinite curfew in Iskandariya, Babil Governorate, as of Sept. 4 due to recent communal violence. Two members of the Al Janabiyin tribe were reportedly killed during a dispute with unidentified persons at a market in early September. Large numbers of armed tribe members have reportedly deployed in the area to identify the perpetrators.

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 early September incident are also possible.

Advice

Heed the directives of the local authorities. Avoid concentrations of armed persons and large public gatherings. Reconfirm the status of routes before departure if driving near or through Iskandariya.