2 killed as rival Shia militias clash in Iraq’s Basra

BAGHDAD (AA) – At least two people were killed in clashes between rival Shia militias in the southern city of Basra on Thursday, according to local media.

The violence erupted late Wednesday and continued through Thursday between militiamen affiliated with Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and the rival Coordination Framework, a coalition of groups close to Iran, media reports said citing Iraqi security sources.

There was no comment yet from Iraqi authorities on the violence.

The clashes came amid rising tensions in Iraq after more than 30 protesters were killed on Monday when supporters of al-Sadr stormed the Republican Palace, where the government is seated in Baghdad after the firebrand leader said he was stepping down from politics.

Disputes between al-Sadr and the coalition have prevented the formation of a new government in Iraq since the last elections on Oct. 10, 2021.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar