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| (Shafaaq News) |
As Iraq’s protests head into their third month there are scattered reports that they are causing splits within the security forces (ISF). Some elements are refusing orders to crackdown upon the demonstrations.
Occasional news
stories coming out of Iraq mention divisions within the government’s forces
about using force and intimidation against the protests. On November 16 for instance, the commander of the Rapid Reaction Division General
Thamir al-Husseini told Al Forat that tear gas cannisters had killed
protesters. This came after the Defense Minister Najah al-Shammari and Prime
Minister Abdul Mahdi’s military spokesman General Abdul Kareem Khalaf denied
that the government had caused any deaths. That same day, Al Mada had a story
that 30 members of the ISF had resigned in Baghdad over refusing to shoot at
demonstrators, and four days later had a similar story. Then on November 24 Al Mada
had an article that officers ignored orders to kidnap protesters. Al Jazeera ran a similar story on November 30 that police did not follow commands
for a crackdown. It should be no surprise that the unrest in Iraq has caused
difficulties for the security forces. Many members are young men just like many
of the people that have taken to the streets. Being told to shoot into crowds therefore
is not an easy matter. Obviously, the majority of the ISF are doing what
they’re told, hence the 400 plus people that have been killed since the start
of October. Yet, these few stories show that there are some that are
questioning the government’s policy.
SOURCES
Al Forat, “The commander
of the rapid reaction acknowledges the firing of gas bombs in the head and
confirms the commander bears responsibility,” 11/16/19
Al Mada, “Al Mada
reveals the scenes of the disappearances of activists: luring them into the
alleys of Batawin and kidnapping them in civilian cars,” 11/24/19
- “Security forces
fail to regain Al-Ahrar and severe sanctions against the planners to narrow the
demonstrations,” 11/20/19
- “Sudden withdrawal
of security units from Al-Khalani, Al-Senak Bridge and demonstrators gaining a
new position,” 11/16/19
Petkova, Mariya,
“Shadow of strife looms over Iraq’s political crisis,” Al Jazeera, 11/30/19
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