Iraq: Sunni tribal leader killed in Baghdad ambush
Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
Publication Date | 14 February 2015 |
Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iraq: Sunni tribal leader killed in Baghdad ambush, 14 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/550940a18.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 14, 2015
A Sunni tribal leader and his son have been killed in an attack that could further inflame sectarian tension in Iraq.
Officials said gunmen stopped a convoy carrying Sheikh Qassem Sweidan al-Janabi and his son, Mohammad, in south Baghdad late on February 13.
The two were abducted and later shot dead along with six other people who were traveling in the convoy.
The sheikh's nephew, Member of Parliament Zayed al-Janabi, was also detained but later released.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
But Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Mutlaq called for curbs on Shi'ite armed groups, which operate freely in many areas and have spearheaded the battle against Islamic State militants.
The slain tribal leader was a key player in efforts to combat sectarianism.
Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website