January 20, 2016•Update: January 20, 2016
BAGHDAD
Recent "terrorist and criminal" acts have served to deepen sectarian rifts in Iraq’s eastern Diyala province, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri has told Anadolu Agency.
"Terrorist bombings in Diyala’s Miqdadiyah district -- which have occurred alongside criminal acts that have targeted civilians, journalists and places of worship -- have deepened sectarian rifts between the people of Diyala," al-Jabouri said.
He went on to assert that "the rule of law must be enforced", stressing the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens.
Diyala has faced a deteriorating security situation since Daesh militants were driven from the province last January by Iraqi security forces.
According to al-Jabouri, Diyala’s security is still threatened by "terrorist cells" that remain in the province, although these were being confronted by Iraqi security forces and tribal fighters, he said.
A second security challenge, he noted, were the armed groups affiliated to particular tribes, parties or sects. These, al-Jabouri said, carry out kidnappings and assassinations and -- in certain areas -- appear to have more power than the state.
More violence
Diyala’s Miqdadiyah district, which is home to both Shia and Sunni Muslims, saw yet more violence on Sunday when an explosion at a local cafe left more than 50 people dead or injured.
Only hours later, a number of local mosques were bombed, while unidentified gunmen -- believed to be members of local militias -- killed several residents.
On Tuesday, several Sunni MPs and government ministers boycotted scheduled parliamentary and cabinet sessions to denounce the violence in Miqdadiyah and demand international protection for the violence-wracked province.
Commenting on the violence, al-Jabouri said Sunday that Diyala remained "awash with weapons with the full knowledge of the state".
He went on to cite "indications" that certain parties sought to promote sectarian conflict, urging the government to hold those responsible for undermining the province’s security to account.
On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi stressed that the Miqdadiyah district was "for all of its residents" regardless of religious or political differences.
He also praised the efforts of the Iraqi security forces, including the pro-government Shia Al-Hashd al-Shaabi militia.
