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{{Short description|Sectarian protests and violence in Iraq during the post-U.S. insurgency}} | |||
{{Infobox civil conflict | {{Infobox civil conflict | ||
| title = |
| title = 2012–2013 Iraqi protests | ||
| partof = the ] | | partof = the ] and the ] | ||
| image = ] | | image = ] | ||
| caption = Sunni demonstrators protesting against the Maliki government (Dec. 2012–Jan. 2013) | |||
| caption = | |||
| place = ] | | place = ] | ||
| coordinates = | | coordinates = | ||
| date= {{Start date|df=yes|2012|12|21}}– December 2013<br>( |
| date = {{Start date|df=yes|2012|12|21}} – 30 December 2013<br />(1 year, 1 week and 2 days) | ||
| time = | | time = | ||
| timezone = | | timezone = | ||
| methods = | | methods = * ]s | ||
* ]s | |||
* ]s | * ]s | ||
⚫ | | result = * Two-thirds wage increase for ] members | ||
| result = | |||
⚫ | * Release of 3,000 prisoners,<ref name="3000 release">{{cite news |title=Iraq protesters win first demand: Release of 3,000 prisoners |url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=56773 |newspaper=Middle East Online |date=3 February 2013 |accessdate=25 February 2013 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225215810/https://middle-east-online.com/en/iraq-protesters-win-first-demand-release-3000-prisoners |url-status=dead }}</ref> including 600 female prisoners | ||
⚫ | * Two- |
||
⚫ | * Release of 3,000 prisoners,<ref name="3000 release">{{cite news |title=Iraq protesters win first demand: Release of 3,000 prisoners |
||
*Crackdown by Security Forces results in ] | *Crackdown by Security Forces results in ] | ||
*Beginning of the ] | |||
| causes = | |||
* Corruption | | causes = * Corruption | ||
* Unemployment | * Unemployment | ||
* Poor national security | * Poor national security | ||
* Poor public services | * Poor public services | ||
* Alleged marginalization of a Sunni minority; who previously held ultimate power |
* Alleged marginalization of a Sunni minority; who previously held ultimate power | ||
* Unfair treatment of prisoners | * Unfair treatment of prisoners | ||
* Poor salaries of ] | * Poor salaries of ] | ||
Line 30: | Line 29: | ||
| fatalities = 200+ | | fatalities = 200+ | ||
| arrests = <!-- number unclear --> | | arrests = <!-- number unclear --> | ||
| side1 ={{flagicon|Iraq| |
| side1 = {{flagicon|Iraq|1991}} ] | ||
* Sunni protesters | * {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Sunni protesters | ||
* Army of Pride and Dignity<ref name="npr">{{cite news | url= |
* {{flagicon|Iraq|1991}} Army of Pride and Dignity<ref name="npr">{{cite news | url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/04/27/179462354/iraqs-sunnis-form-tribal-army-as-sectarian-violence-builds | title=Iraq's Sunnis Form Tribal Army, As Sectarian Violence Builds | work=NPR | date=27 April 2013}}</ref> | ||
*] | * {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} ] | ||
*] | * {{flagicon|Iraq}} ] | ||
* Sunni Islamists | * {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} Sunni Islamists | ||
* Anti-Government Tribes | |||
| side2 ={{flagicon|Iraq}} ] | | side2 = {{flagicon|Iraq}} ] | ||
* ] | * ] | ||
* ] | * {{flagicon|Iraq|army}} ] | ||
* ] | * {{flagicon image|Iraqi Federal Police SSI.svg}} ] | ||
* Pro-Government Tribes | |||
| side3 = | |||
| leadfigures1 =Decentralized leadership | | side3 = | ||
| leadfigures1 = '''Decentralized leadership''' | |||
*]<br><small>Former Finance Minister</small> | *]<br /><small>(Former ])</small> | ||
*Sheikh ]<br><small>]</small> | *Sheikh ]<br /><small>(])</small> | ||
*]<br><small>Speaker of the |
*]<br /><small>(Speaker of the ])</small> | ||
*Sheikh ]<br><small> |
*Sheikh ]<br /><small>(Tribal Leader)</small> | ||
*]<br><small>Ramadi MP</small> | *]<br /><small>(Ramadi MP)</small> | ||
*Sheik ]<br><small>Sunni Cleric</small> | *Sheik ]<br /><small>(Sunni Cleric)</small> | ||
| leadfigures2 = {{flagicon|Iraq}} ]<br /><small>]</small><br />{{flagicon|Iraq}} ]<br /><small>]</small> | | leadfigures2 = {{flagicon|Iraq}} ]<br /><small>(])</small><br />{{flagicon|Iraq}} ]<br /><small>(])</small> | ||
}} | }} | ||
] remerged during the protests as a symbol of Sunni identity in Iraq.]] | |||
The ''' |
The '''2012–2013 Iraqi protests''' started on 21 December 2012 following a raid on the home of ] Finance Minister ] and the arrest of 10 of his bodyguards.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite news |title=Iraq: Maliki Demands That Protesters Stand Down |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/world/middleeast/iraq-maliki-demands-that-protesters-stand-down.html?_r=0 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2 January 2013 |accessdate=4 January 2013}}</ref> Beginning in ], the protests afterwards spread throughout Sunni Arab parts of ]. The protests centered on the issue of the alleged ] of Prime Minister ]. Pro-Maliki protests also took place throughout central and southern Iraq, where there is a ] Arab majority. In April 2013, sectarian violence escalated after the ]. The protests continued throughout 2013, and in December Maliki used security forces to forcefully close down the main protest camp in ], leaving at least ten gunmen and three policemen dead in the process. | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
{{Main|2011 Iraqi protests|Iraqi insurgency ( |
{{Main|2011 Iraqi protests|Iraqi insurgency (2011–2013)}} | ||
Iraqi Sunni minority traditionally held power in ], but the Sunni-dominated ] was overthrown by the ] during the ], and ] majority gained power. ] are Shiites. | Iraqi Sunni minority traditionally held power in ], but the Sunni-dominated ] was overthrown by the ] during the ], and ] majority gained power. ] are Shiites. | ||
Unlike the protests in 2011, which revolved around issues of corruption and national security, the new protests were driven by Sunni Arabs who felt marginalized in the post-Saddam Iraq, and who claimed that anti-terrorism laws were allegedly being abused and used to arrest and harass Sunnis. The growth of the protests, however, led the initial demands to be expanded, and eventually one of the main requests of the protesters was the resignation of Prime Minister Maliki.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraqi army pulls out from Falluja after deadly clashes with protesters |
Unlike the protests in 2011, which revolved around issues of corruption and national security, the new protests were driven by Sunni Arabs who felt marginalized in the post-Saddam Iraq, and who claimed that anti-terrorism laws were allegedly being abused and used to arrest and harass Sunnis. The growth of the protests, however, led the initial demands to be expanded, and eventually one of the main requests of the protesters was the resignation of Prime Minister Maliki.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraqi army pulls out from Falluja after deadly clashes with protesters |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/01/25/262464.html |publisher=Al Arabiya |date=25 January 2013 |accessdate=28 January 2013}}</ref> Other issues often cited were the alleged abuse of ] laws and unfair confiscation of property of former ], and alleged Iranian interference in Iraqi affairs.<ref name="Speaker ALMON"></ref> | ||
==Timeline== | ==Timeline== | ||
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=====21–27 December===== | =====21–27 December===== | ||
The protests began on 21 December 2012 following a raid on the home of Sunni Finance Minister ] and the arrest of some of his bodyguards.<ref name="Rayburn2014">{{cite book|last=Rayburn|first=Joel| |
The protests began on 21 December 2012 following a raid on the home of Sunni Finance Minister ] and the arrest of some of his bodyguards.<ref name="Rayburn2014">{{cite book|last=Rayburn|first=Joel|author-link=Joel Rayburn|title=Iraq After America: Strongmen, Sectarians, Resistance|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u7I_BAAAQBAJ|date=1 August 2014|publisher=Hoover Institution Press|isbn=978-0-8179-1694-7|page=235}}</ref> | ||
Following the arrest several thousand protesters took to the streets of ] following Friday prayers to condemn the arrests. The protesters blocked a highway in Fallujah and demanded Prime Minister Maliki's resignation, waving banners reading: |
Following the arrest several thousand protesters took to the streets of ] following Friday prayers to condemn the arrests. The protesters blocked a highway in Fallujah and demanded Prime Minister Maliki's resignation, waving banners reading: "Resistance is still in our veins."<ref>{{cite news |title=Protests erupt after Iraqi minister's staff detained |author=Patrick Markey, Raheem Salman |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Dec-22/199489-protests-erupt-after-iraqi-ministers-staff-detained.ashx#ixzz2JF0MQsOP |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=22 December 2012 |accessdate=28 January 2013}}</ref> 23 December also saw protesters begin the barricading of the main highway at ], thereby disrupting a key Iraqi trade route to ] and ]. The protests also spread from ] to other Sunni parts of Iraq including ], ]<ref name="AJ28">{{cite news |title=Iraq mass protests mount pressure on Maliki |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/12/2012122875346526845.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=28 December 2012 |accessdate=28 January 2013}}</ref> ], and the ] district of ]. As the protests in Anbar grew, delegations were sent to support to the protests from Baghdad and ], with smaller delegations coming from the southern Iraqi governorates of ] and ]. In order to try to prevent the further spread of the protests, the ] established a cordon in ] on 27 December.<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests" /> | ||
=====28 December |
=====28 December "Friday of Honour"===== | ||
28 December saw the protests increase in size, with tens of thousands taking part in the "Friday of Honour" protests against perceived government sectarianism.<ref name="AJ28"/> | 28 December saw the protests increase in size, with tens of thousands taking part in the "Friday of Honour" protests against perceived government sectarianism.<ref name="AJ28"/> | ||
=====29 December – 4 January ===== | =====29 December – 4 January ===== | ||
In their second week, the protests spread to ] and ] |
In their second week, the protests spread to ] and ] Governorates for the first time. During the week protests took place in Mosul, Kirkuk, ], Tikrit, ], ], ], ], ], ], Ramadi, Fallujah, Baghdad, ], and ]. The sit-in at Ramadi, blocking the highway, continued, and was visited from Amman by Sunni Iraqi Cleric ] on 28 December. Tribal delegations traveled to Ramadi from Kirkuk, ], and ], to support the protests. On 4 January the Baghdad Operations Command ordered the 6th Division to secure the ] bridge to prevent sympathetic demonstrators from West Baghdad joining the anti-government demonstrations in the ] district of East Baghdad. There were also reports of Iraqi Army units preventing delegations and media personnel from visiting Anbar from Baghdad.<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests">{{cite web|url=http://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/political-update-mapping-iraq-protests|title=Political Update: Mapping the Iraq Protests|publisher=Institute for the Study of War|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> | ||
On 30 December Deputy Prime Minister ], a Sunni and critic of Maliki, travelled to Ramadi to attempt to address the protesters. Mutlaq's convoy was pelted with bottles and stones, and protesters chanted for him to leave, with some being angry that Mutlaq had taken a week to support the protesters, believing that he had come to undermine the protests.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sunni protesters attack Iraq official's convoy, guards wound two |author=Kamal Naama|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/ |
On 30 December Deputy Prime Minister ], a Sunni and critic of Maliki, travelled to Ramadi to attempt to address the protesters. Mutlaq's convoy was pelted with bottles and stones, and protesters chanted for him to leave, with some being angry that Mutlaq had taken a week to support the protesters, believing that he had come to undermine the protests.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sunni protesters attack Iraq official's convoy, guards wound two |author=Kamal Naama|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-protests-idUKBRE8BT04A20121230 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306152724/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-protests-idUKBRE8BT04A20121230 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |newspaper=Reuters |date=30 December 2012 |accessdate=25 February 2013}}</ref> Bodyguards for Mutlaq wounded two people when they fired warning shots. Mutlaq's office described the incident as an attempted assassination by rogue elements.<ref>{{cite news |title=2 Wounded as Iraq Protesters Are Dispersed by Security Force |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/31/world/middleeast/2-wounded-as-iraq-protesters-dispersed.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=30 December 2012 |accessdate=25 February 2013}}</ref> | ||
===2013=== | ===2013=== | ||
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The week of 5 January saw continuing anti-government protests in Mosul, Kirkuk, Tikrit, ], ], ], Ramadi, Fallujah, ], and the Baghdad districts of ] and ]. The week also saw the emergence of pro-government protests, taking place in Baghdad, along with the southern Shiite cities of ], ], ], ], ], and Basra. The week also witnessed renewed government efforts to contain and deter protests, mostly through heightened security and deployments of military units.<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests"/> | The week of 5 January saw continuing anti-government protests in Mosul, Kirkuk, Tikrit, ], ], ], Ramadi, Fallujah, ], and the Baghdad districts of ] and ]. The week also saw the emergence of pro-government protests, taking place in Baghdad, along with the southern Shiite cities of ], ], ], ], ], and Basra. The week also witnessed renewed government efforts to contain and deter protests, mostly through heightened security and deployments of military units.<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests"/> | ||
] | ] | ||
Since the beginning of the protests, the Ninewa Operations Command of the ] had been attempting to close Ahrar square, which was the site of the majority of anti-government protests in Mosul. Clashes between protesters and army units erupted on 7 January when army vehicles ran over several protesters, wounding 4, in an attempt to disperse the protester in the square. On 8 January four more protesters were wounded when Iraqi military units opened fire in the square. The clashes led to security for eastern Mosul being taken from the military and given to the Iraqi Federal Police 3rd Division.<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests"/> | Since the beginning of the protests, the Ninewa Operations Command of the ] had been attempting to close Ahrar square, which was the site of the majority of anti-government protests in Mosul. Clashes between protesters and army units erupted on 7 January when army vehicles ran over several protesters, wounding 4, in an attempt to disperse the protester in the square. On 8 January four more protesters were wounded when Iraqi military units opened fire in the square. The clashes led to security for eastern Mosul being taken from the military and given to the Iraqi Federal Police 3rd Division.<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests"/> | ||
The Baghdad Operations Command also implemented a cordon in ], a town north of Baghdad, on 7 January in order to prevent protesters from blocking ] ] leading north from Baghdad. The ] was eventually closed near ] on January 11 by Iraqi army units. The Baghdad Operations Command deployed units on the eastern edge of Fallujah on 9 January |
The Baghdad Operations Command also implemented a cordon in ], a town north of Baghdad, on 7 January in order to prevent protesters from blocking ] ] leading north from Baghdad. The ] was eventually closed near ] on January 11 by Iraqi army units. The Baghdad Operations Command deployed units on the eastern edge of Fallujah on 9 January. Security within the ] district of Baghdad was also tightened on 11 January in an effort to deter protests. The 11th ] Division was deployed north of Tikrit by the Tigris Operations Command on January 11 to prevent protests in ].<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests" /> | ||
In the west of Iraq units from the 29th Mechanised Brigade of the 7th Army Division closed the Jordan-Iraqi border crossing at Trebil due to unspecified security concerns.<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests"/> | In the west of Iraq units from the 29th Mechanised Brigade of the 7th Army Division closed the Jordan-Iraqi border crossing at Trebil due to unspecified security concerns.<ref name="Mapping Iraq Protests" /> | ||
Thousands of pro-Maliki demonstrators took to the streets in at least 5 |
Thousands of pro-Maliki demonstrators took to the streets in at least 5 governorates on Tuesday 8 January to voice support for Maliki and oppose an attempts to change the ] laws. Protesters also voiced opposition to any return of the ] or the dividing of Iraq along sectarian or ethnic lines. Protests took place in Basra, ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/08/world/meast/iraq-demonstrations|title=Thousands protest in Shiite provinces in southern Iraq|author=Mohammed Tawfeeq|date=8 January 2013|publisher=CNN}}</ref> | ||
] | ] | ||
=====25 January |
=====25 January "No Retreat Friday"===== | ||
On 25 January, |
On 25 January, several protests were held across Anbar Governorate, with other protests also appearing in ], ], Kirkuk, Mosul, Baghdad, and Hawija, as part of "No Retreat Friday."<ref>{{cite news |title=Friday demonstrations in Iraq result in deaths |url=http://al-shorfa.com/en_GB/articles/meii/newsbriefs/2013/01/25/newsbrief-05 |newspaper=Al-Shorfa|date=25 January 2013 |accessdate=28 January 2013}}</ref> The protests turned deadly in Fallujah, as soldiers opened fire on a crowd of rock-throwing demonstrators, killing 7 and injuring more than 70 others. Three soldiers were later shot to death in retaliation for the incident, and clashes erupted in ], on the eastern outskirts of Fallujah. Security forces were placed on high alert as a curfew and vehicle ban were brought into effect. In a statement, Maliki urged both sides to show restraint and blamed the incident on unruly protesters. He also warned that it could lead to a "rise in tension that al-Qaida and terrorist groups are trying to take advantage of".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/9-killed-as-protesters-army-clash-in-iraq/1272380/|title=9 killed as protesters, army clash in Iraq|work=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/01/25/iraqi-troops-fire-on-protesters-14-killed-72-wounded-across-country/|title=Iraqi Troops Fire on Protesters; 14 Killed, 72 Wounded Across Country|work=Antiwar.com Original}}</ref> | ||
Thousands of people attended the funerals of the slain protesters on 26 January, some carrying ]. The government responded to the shooting by pulling out most ] forces from the city and replacing them with federal police.<ref> |
Thousands of people attended the funerals of the slain protesters on 26 January, some carrying ]. The government responded to the shooting by pulling out most ] forces from the city and replacing them with federal police.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naama |first=Kamal |date=2013-01-26 |title=Iraqi Sunnis mourn protesters shot dead by troops |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/01/26/iraqi-sunnis-mourn-protesters-shot-dead-by-troops-2/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> In a statement read at Fallujah's main square, Sheikh ] announced that the tribal leaders had given the government one week to bring the perpetrators of the shooting to justice. If this demand is not met, the Sheikh, who is the chairman of the ], promised to "launch jihad against army units and posts in Anbar".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21206163|title=BBC News – Iraq Sunnis threaten army attacks after protest deaths|work=BBC News}}</ref> | ||
====February==== | ====February==== | ||
=====22 February |
=====22 February "'Iraq or Maliki"===== | ||
On 22 February thousands of protesters took to the streets of Ramadi, Baghdad, Mosul, and Fallujah following Friday prayers in order to continue the demonstrations against the ], calling for Maliki to step down.<ref name="22 Feb 13"/> | On 22 February thousands of protesters took to the streets of Ramadi, Baghdad, Mosul, and Fallujah following Friday prayers in order to continue the demonstrations against the ], calling for Maliki to step down.<ref name="22 Feb 13"/> | ||
] | ] | ||
The day also saw seven members of a ] killed in ] by armed men wearing military uniforms. The assailants asked a local militia leader to accompany them to a checkpoint manned by a Sahwa militia, at which point the uniformed group overpowered the leader and members of the Sahwa militia before executing them.<ref name="22 Feb 13">{{cite news |title=Protests in Iraq continue amid new killings |
The day also saw seven members of a ] (originally moderate Sunni tribal groups) killed in ] by armed men wearing military uniforms, presumably ]-linked fighters. The assailants asked a local militia leader to accompany them to a checkpoint manned by a Sahwa militia, at which point the uniformed group overpowered the leader and members of the Sahwa militia before executing them.<ref name="22 Feb 13">{{cite news |title=Protests in Iraq continue amid new killings |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/02/2013222124151982737.html |newspaper=Al Jazeera |date=22 February 2013 |accessdate=27 February 2013}}</ref> | ||
====March==== | ====March==== | ||
=====8–10 March===== | =====8–10 March===== | ||
On 8 March police fired on Sunni demonstrators in Mosul, killing 1 protester and injuring 5 others.<ref name="Obeidi ABC"/> Police claimed that they fired into the air to disperse stone throwing protesters. In response to the shooting the Minister of Agriculture, ], hosted a televised news conference where he announced his resignation from his cabinet post to protest the killings. Dawla therefore became the second minister of resign as part of the protests, after ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article |
On 8 March police fired on Sunni demonstrators in Mosul, killing 1 protester and injuring 5 others.<ref name="Obeidi ABC"/> Police claimed that they fired into the air to disperse stone throwing protesters. In response to the shooting the Minister of Agriculture, ], hosted a televised news conference where he announced his resignation from his cabinet post to protest the killings. Dawla therefore became the second minister of resign as part of the protests, after ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-minister-resignation-idUSBRE9270ZV20130308|title=Iraq agriculture minister quits over Sunni protest death|work=Reuters}}</ref> | ||
On 10 March Bunyan Sabar al-Obeidi, an anti-government protest organiser and spokesman for the Sunni protests in Kirkuk, was shot and killed whilst driving his car in Kirkuk in a drive-by shooting by unknown gunmen. Obeidi had escaped an assassination attempt the previous week.<ref name="Obeidi ABC">{{cite news |title=Gunmen Kill Protest Organizer in Iraq |
On 10 March Bunyan Sabar al-Obeidi, an anti-government protest organiser and spokesman for the Sunni protests in Kirkuk, was shot and killed whilst driving his car in Kirkuk in a drive-by shooting by unknown gunmen. Obeidi had escaped an assassination attempt the previous week.<ref name="Obeidi ABC">{{cite news |title=Gunmen Kill Protest Organizer in Iraq |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/gunmen-kill-protest-organizer-iraq-18695609 |newspaper=ABC News |date=10 March 2013 |accessdate=13 March 2013}}</ref> | ||
====April==== | ====April==== | ||
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=====Sunni uprising and backlash===== | =====Sunni uprising and backlash===== | ||
{{main|2013 Hawija clashes|May 2013 Iraq attacks}} | {{main|2013 Hawija clashes|May 2013 Iraq attacks}} | ||
Following four months of protests, on Friday 19 April, an Iraqi officer was killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in Hawija, a town west of Kirkuk. Following the refusal of residents to hand over suspected perpetrators the security forces sought; Hawija was then put under siege.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraqi Sunni protest clashes in Hawija leave many dead |
Following four months of protests, on Friday 19 April, an Iraqi officer was killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in Hawija, a town west of Kirkuk. Following the refusal of residents to hand over suspected perpetrators the security forces sought; Hawija was then put under siege.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraqi Sunni protest clashes in Hawija leave many dead |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22261422 |publisher=BBC News |date=23 April 2013 |accessdate=25 April 2013}}</ref> | ||
On the morning of 23 April, a security forces operation in Hawija resulted in the deaths of about 20 protesters and 3 Iraqi soldiers. Over a hundred people were injured.<ref>Rayburn 2013, pp. |
On the morning of 23 April, a security forces operation in Hawija resulted in the deaths of about 20 protesters and 3 Iraqi soldiers. Over a hundred people were injured.<ref>Rayburn 2013, pp. 237–238.</ref> The clashes erupted after security forces entered the area that was being used as a sit-in by Sunni protesters against the government. Sheikh Abdullah Sami al-Asi, a Sunni provincial official, said the violence resulted from the security forces entering the area and trying to make arrests.<ref>{{cite news |title=Deadly clashes break out in northern Iraq |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/04/201342384528294340.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=23 April 2013 |accessdate=23 April 2013}}</ref> There was also retaliatory violence in the surrounding Sunni-majority region where other gunmen attacked police checkpoints in Riyadh and Rashad until a military counterattack a few hours later.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq Raids Protesters' Camp |author=Matt Bradley & Ali A. Nabhan |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324874204578440211612436322 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=23 April 2013 |accessdate=23 April 2013}}</ref> On the same day, at least 21 others were killed as they left Sunni mosques in Baghdad and ].<ref name="Dozens killed in wave of Iraq violence">{{cite news |title=Dozens killed in wave of Iraq violence |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2013/04/2013424275162794.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=24 April 2013 |accessdate=24 April 2013}}</ref> Following the raid, Sunni tribal leaders called for a revolt. | ||
The next day revenge attacks continued against the police action. The north of the country featured more violence between security forces and protesters.<ref name="Scores killed AJ">{{cite news |title=Scores killed in two days of Iraq clashes |
The next day revenge attacks continued against the police action. The north of the country featured more violence between security forces and protesters.<ref name="Scores killed AJ">{{cite news |title=Scores killed in two days of Iraq clashes |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/04/201342410811252501.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=25 April 2013 |accessdate=25 April 2013}}</ref> In ], north of Baghdad, gunmen killed five soldiers and wounded five of their colleagues, while gunmen attacked a ] checkpoint in ] and killed four of the militiamen and wounding another person. Total deaths over the two days are believed to be over 100.<ref name="Dozens killed in wave of Iraq violence"/> The Iraqi government also set up a commission to investigate the previous day's incidents,<ref name="Scores killed AJ"/> that is to be led by Deputy Prime Minister ].<ref name="BBC 25 April">{{cite news |title=Iraqi 'Gunmen' storm small Sunni town north of Baghdad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22292220 |publisher=BBC News |date=25 April 2013 |accessdate=25 April 2013}}</ref> On 25 April, Prime Minister ] warned of a sectarian war and blamed "remnants of ] for violence."<ref name="Sectarian War AJ">{{cite news |date=25 April 2013 |title=Iraqi PM warns against 'sectarian war' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2013/4/25/iraqi-pm-warns-against-sectarian-war |accessdate=25 April 2013 |publisher=Al Jazeera}}</ref> | ||
Following the clashes in Suleiman Bek the ] withdrew from the town, with an officer claiming the move was to allow for civilians to leave the town before the army began a counter-offensive.<ref name="BBC 25 April"/> However, clashes and protests continued across the country with renewed protests by Sunni Arabs calling for the prime minister's resignation and an end to alleged discrimination against them. Violence also continued with the death toll reaching 200 after five days. The violence also included attacks on Sunni mosques.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/04/201342610411101447.html|title=Deadly anti-government violence grips Iraq|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Sunni Arabs formed the Army of Pride and Dignity as the sectarian clashes escalated.<ref name="npr" /> | Following the clashes in Suleiman Bek the ] withdrew from the town, with an officer claiming the move was to allow for civilians to leave the town before the army began a counter-offensive.<ref name="BBC 25 April"/> However, clashes and protests continued across the country with renewed protests by Sunni Arabs calling for the prime minister's resignation and an end to alleged discrimination against them. Violence also continued with the death toll reaching 200 after five days. The violence also included attacks on Sunni mosques.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/04/201342610411101447.html|title=Deadly anti-government violence grips Iraq|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=27 April 2013|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Sunni Arabs formed the Army of Pride and Dignity as the sectarian clashes escalated.<ref name="npr" /> | ||
On 27 April, the Iraqi government banned 10 satellite channels, including |
On 27 April, the Iraqi government banned 10 satellite channels, including ] and Iraq's ]. Mujahid Abu al-Hail of the Communications and Media Commission said: "We took a decision to suspend the licence of some satellite channels that adopted language encouraging violence and sectarianism. It means stopping their work in Iraq and their activities, so they cannot cover events in Iraq or move around."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/04/201342891442667780.html|title=Iraq suspends Al Jazeera broadcast operations|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Two days later, five car bombs blew up in Shia-majority areas. In ] town in ] killing 15 people and wounding 45 others; in ] a bomb exploded near a restaurant, killing three people and wounding 25 others; while in ] a car bomb explosion killed three civilians and wounded 12 others; and another car bomb exploded in the Shia-majority neighbourhood of the Sunni-majority town of ] killing three people and wounding 15 others.<ref name="aljazeera">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/04/201342961622338901.html |title=Iraq parliament chief demands cabinet resign|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> The same day, the ]'s Sunni Arab Speaker of Parliament ] called for the resignation of the government to be replaced by a smaller cabinet of independents, who would not compete in the next election, and for the electoral commission to prepare for an early national election with parliament to be dissolved.<ref name="aljazeera" /> On 1 May, more attacks took place against a Sunni group of fighters backed by the government and in a Shia area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201351122650739672.html|title=Deadly bombings rock Iraqi cities|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> | ||
====May==== | ====May==== | ||
On 17 May, at least 72 ] in several cities, including the capital, on Sunni targets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201351719455459869.html|title=Deadly Iraq violence spills into fourth day|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Attacks continued the next day,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/2013518914897185.html|title=Many killed in string of Iraq attacks|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> amid warning of a ] after four days of violence resulted in over 140 deaths.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201351951234492490.html|title=Iraq death toll stirs fears of civil war|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> On 20 May, bombs in Baghdad and Basra targeting Shias resulted in at least 68 deaths.<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201352071548212347.html|title=Iraqi tribal leaders demand federation|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> It also hit Sunni areas such as ].<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> Following a previous week attack on alcohol shops that killed 12 people, the mixed Sunni-Shia area of Zayhouna in Baghdad was attacked again, resulting in the deaths of seven women and five men.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201352216348762997.html|title=Dozen shot dead at Baghdad brothel|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> On 27 May, over 50 deaths were reported in Shia areas of Baghdad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201352715214869598.html|title=Scores killed in Baghdad car bombings|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Prime Minister ] later vowed to hunt down the outlaws.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/20135281480811117.html|title=Iraq PM pledges to hunt down 'outlaws'|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> On 31 May, following ], a bomb exploded outside Baghdad's Sunni Omar mosque killing four people and wounding 11 other worshippers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/2013531142042810448.html|title=Roadside bomb kills worshippers in Baghdad|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> The ] also noted the death toll for |
On 17 May, at least 72 ] in several cities, including the capital, on Sunni targets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201351719455459869.html|title=Deadly Iraq violence spills into fourth day|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Attacks continued the next day,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/2013518914897185.html|title=Many killed in string of Iraq attacks|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> amid warning of a ] after four days of violence resulted in over 140 deaths.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201351951234492490.html|title=Iraq death toll stirs fears of civil war|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> On 20 May, bombs in Baghdad and Basra targeting Shias resulted in at least 68 deaths.<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201352071548212347.html|title=Iraqi tribal leaders demand federation|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> It also hit Sunni areas such as ].<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> Following a previous week attack on alcohol shops that killed 12 people, the mixed Sunni-Shia area of Zayhouna in Baghdad was attacked again, resulting in the deaths of seven women and five men.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201352216348762997.html|title=Dozen shot dead at Baghdad brothel|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> On 27 May, over 50 deaths were reported in Shia areas of Baghdad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/201352715214869598.html|title=Scores killed in Baghdad car bombings|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Prime Minister ] later vowed to hunt down the outlaws.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/20135281480811117.html|title=Iraq PM pledges to hunt down 'outlaws'|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> On 31 May, following ], a bomb exploded outside Baghdad's Sunni Omar mosque killing four people and wounding 11 other worshippers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/05/2013531142042810448.html|title=Roadside bomb kills worshippers in Baghdad|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> The ] also noted the death toll for May being the highest in five years with ] attributing it to increased sectarianism. Additionally, the government banned cars with common temporary licence plates to try to avoid car bombings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/06/201361122336222727.html|title=Iraq suffers deadliest month in five years|publisher=Al Jazeera|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> | ||
====June–November==== | ====June–November==== | ||
Following the April Hawija clashes, the number of protesters diminished, and sectarian violence increased.<ref>{{Cite web |
Following the April Hawija clashes, the number of protesters diminished, and sectarian violence increased.<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=Institute For The Study Of War|title=ISW Blog: From Protest Movement to Armed Resistance: 2013 Iraq Update #24 |work=ISW Blog |accessdate=2016-07-28 |date=2013-06-14 |url=http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2013/06/from-protest-movement-to-armed.html}}</ref> In July however, as Ramadan began, the protests intensified for a time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ISW Blog: Protesters Turn Out During Ramadan Despite Rising Violence: 2013 Iraq Update #29 |work=Institute for the Study of War Blog |accessdate=2016-07-27 |date=2013-07-19 |url=http://iswresearch.blogspot.com/2013/07/protesters-turn-out-during-ramadan.html}}</ref> | ||
⚫ | ] took place in Anbar in June 2013, and afterwards the new governor, ] of the ] coalition, began seeking ways to reconcile with Maliki. With the approval of protesters, Dhiyabi began negotiations with the Maliki government on 7 October.<ref name="Sowell">{{Cite web |title=Maliki's Anbar Blunder |work=Foreign Policy |accessdate=2016-07-27 |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2014/01/15/malikis-anbar-blunder/}}</ref> On 25 November, Dhiyabi led a delegation to meet with Maliki in Baghdad once again. Maliki agreed to many of the protesters' demands, but reiterated that the protests should be stopped.<ref>{{Cite web|title=المالكي وقّع بنفسه على "حزمة مطالب" قدمتها الأنبار.. والمفاوضون يمهلونه ٣٥ يوماً|accessdate=2016-07-28|publisher=Al-Mada|language=ar|trans-title=Maliki himself signs a aackage of demands presented by al-Anbar...and the negotiators give him a 35-day deadline|url=http://www.almadapaper.net/ar/news/455065/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%8A-%D9%88%D9%82%D8%B9-%D8%A8%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B3%D9%87-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%A7-|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809213627/http://www.almadapaper.net/ar/news/455065/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%8A-%D9%88%D9%82%D8%B9-%D8%A8%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B3%D9%87-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%A7-|archive-date=2016-08-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
] took place in Anbar in June 2013, and afterwards the new governor, [[Ahmad Khalaf al-Dulaimi | |||
|Ahmad Khalaf al-Dhiyabi]] of the ] coalition, began seeking ways to reconcile with Maliki. With the approval of protesters, Dhiyabi began negotiations with the Maliki government on 7 October.<ref name="Sowell">{{Cite web| title = Maliki’s Anbar Blunder| work = Foreign Policy| accessdate = 2016-07-27| url = https://foreignpolicy.com/2014/01/15/malikis-anbar-blunder/}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | On 25 November, Dhiyabi led a delegation to |
||
====December==== | ====December==== | ||
By late December Prime Minister Maliki was claiming that the Ramadi protest camp had been turned into a headquarters for the leadership of ].<ref name="Ramadi camp violence">{{cite web|url= |
By late December Prime Minister Maliki was claiming that the Ramadi protest camp had been turned into a headquarters for the leadership of ].<ref name="Ramadi camp violence">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25548776|title=Ten die as Iraq security forces dismantle Sunni camp|work=BBC News|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Simultaneously the Iraqi army was conducting an offensive in Al Anbar Governorate against al-Qaeda.<ref name="gulf news">{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/region/iraq/ramadi-protesters-reach-deal-to-end-stand-off-1.1272150|title=Ramadi protesters reach deal to end stand off|author=ap|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> | ||
On Saturday 28 December MP Ahmed al-Alwani was arrested in a raid on his home in Ramadi. During the raid Alwani's brother, as well as 5 of his guards were killed. Eight other guards were wounded, whilst 10 members of the security forces were also wounded. Alwani was a prominent supporter of an anti-government protest camp situated on a highway near Ramadi.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
On Saturday 28 December MP Ahmed al-Alwani was arrested in a raid on his home in Ramadi. During the raid Alwani's brother, as well as 5 of his guards were killed. Eight other guards were wounded, whilst 10 members of the security forces were also wounded. Alwani was a prominent supporter of an anti-government protest camp situated on a highway near Ramadi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25534541|title=Iraq MP Ahmed al-Alwani arrested in deadly Ramadi raid|work=BBC News|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Reacting to his arrest, influential Sunni cleric Sheik Abdul Malik Al-Saadi urged Sunni protesters to defend themselves.<ref name="voa ramadi"/> | ||
The following evening, on Sunday 29 December, an Iraqi defense ministry spokesperson claimed on state TV that local Sunni leaders and clerics had agreed to peacefully end the 12 month sit in at the Ramadi protest camp<ref name="Ramadi camp violence"/> after the Iraqi government had warned them that the camp was a potential shelter for al-Qaeda.<ref name="gulf news"/> | The following evening, on Sunday 29 December, an Iraqi defense ministry spokesperson claimed on state TV that local Sunni leaders and clerics had agreed to peacefully end the 12 month sit in at the Ramadi protest camp<ref name="Ramadi camp violence"/> after the Iraqi government had warned them that the camp was a potential shelter for al-Qaeda.<ref name="gulf news"/> | ||
The following day Iraqi security forces dismantled the Ramadi protest camp, however police special forces units came under fire when trying to enter the camp. |
The following day Iraqi security forces dismantled the Ramadi protest camp, however police special forces units claimed they came under fire when trying to enter the camp. At least ten people were killed and a number of police vehicles were attacked and burned, whilst Iraqi government helicopters supported security forces moving in on the camp. Loudspeakers from some Mosques in Ramadi reportedly exhorted people to "go to jihad."<ref name="Ramadi camp violence"/> A doctor at Ramadi hospital claimed that 10 gunmen had been killed and 30 wounded,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/deadly-clashes-iraq-forces-dismantle-protest-111022315.html |title=Clashes kill 10 as Iraq forces clear Sunni protest camp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101023420/http://news.yahoo.com/deadly-clashes-iraq-forces-dismantle-protest-111022315.html|archive-date=January 1, 2014 |accessdate=December 27, 2013}}</ref> whilst 3 policemen were killed and some four police vehicles destroyed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE9BT0C620131230 |title=Fighting erupts as Iraq police break up Sunni protest camp|work=Reuters |accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> | ||
Several hours later, in reaction to the violence in Ramadi, some 40 |
Several hours later, in reaction to the violence in Ramadi, some 40 Sunni MP's offered their resignations. The MP's demanded the withdrawal of the army from Ramadi and the release of Ahmed al-Alwani.<ref name="Ramadi camp violence"/> The MP's resignations however will not have effect unless accepted by the parliaments speaker, ]. Sunni politician Saleh al-Mutlaq called for all politicians from the ] to withdraw from the political process, which he claimed had hit a "dead end." Sheik Abdul Malik Al-Saadi denounced the move against the protest camp, and called on security forces to immediately withdraw in order to avert further bloodshed. Saadi also called the Maliki led Iraqi government a "sectarian government that wants to smash and eradicate the Sunni people in its country," and urged on Sunni politicians to resign from their posts and abstain from the political process.<ref name="voa ramadi">{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-iraq-police-start-removing-sunni-protest-camp/1819926.html|title=Iraq Police Break Up Sunni Protest Camp|work=VOA|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> | ||
==Aftermath== | ==Aftermath== | ||
{{main|Anbar campaign ( |
{{main|Anbar campaign (2013–2014)}} | ||
Following the December 2013 clashes, ISIL |
Following the December 2013 clashes, ISIL launched a campaign in Anbar, taking control of Fallujah and temporarily occupying parts of Ramadi.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq's Fallujah falls to 'Qaeda-linked' militants|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-04/243100-fallujah-outside-iraq-government-control-security-official.ashx|accessdate=10 June 2014|work=Daily Star|date=4 January 2014|archive-date=4 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104212909/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-04/243100-fallujah-outside-iraq-government-control-security-official.ashx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Mar-19/250715-fallujah-shelling-and-clashes-kill-15-iraq-doctor.ashx#axzz2uAA4pFGD|title=Iraq violence kills 37 nationwide|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=March 19, 2014|work=The Daily Star|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref> Tribal militias fought alongside ISIL, and according to Sheikh ] of the ] tribe, ISIL constituted only 5–7% of the anti-government forces.<ref>{{cite news |last=Koplowitz |first=Howard |date=16 June 2014 |title=Iraq Crisis Update: ISIS Seizes Tal Afar Amid Conflicting Reports Of Clashes Near Baghdad |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/iraq-crisis-update-isis-seizes-tal-afar-amid-conflicting-reports-clashes-near-baghdad-map-1602456 |newspaper=International Business Times }}</ref> Fighting continued in 2014 and by June, the conflict escalated into a ], with ISIL at one point controlling over 40% of Iraq.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Timeline: the Rise, Spread, and Fall of the Islamic State {{!}} Wilson Center|url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/timeline-the-rise-spread-and-fall-the-islamic-state|access-date=2021-05-21|website=www.wilsoncenter.org|language=en}}</ref> | ||
==Responses== | ==Responses== | ||
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====Government==== | ====Government==== | ||
The Iraqi government took steps to appease the protesters. On 29 January 2013 the Iraqi government announced that it would raise the salaries of ] members by two-thirds, due to higher wages for Sahwa militia members, along with their incorporation into the security services and civil service being one of the demands of the protest movement.<ref name="30 Jan Daily Star">{{cite news |title=Iraq raises Sahwa militia pay to appease protesters |
The Iraqi government took steps to appease the protesters. On 29 January 2013 the Iraqi government announced that it would raise the salaries of ] members by two-thirds, due to higher wages for Sahwa militia members, along with their incorporation into the security services and civil service being one of the demands of the protest movement.<ref name="30 Jan Daily Star">{{cite news |title=Iraq raises Sahwa militia pay to appease protesters |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Jan-30/204244-iraq-raises-sahwa-militia-pay-to-appease-protester.ashx#axzz2M3l1jkSk |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=30 January 2013 |accessdate=27 February 2013 |archive-date=27 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027230510/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Jan-30/204244-iraq-raises-sahwa-militia-pay-to-appease-protester.ashx#axzz2M3l1jkSk |url-status=dead }}</ref> In February 2013 Deputy Prime Minister Hussein al-Shahristani's announced that 3,000 prisoners had been released over the past month and that all female prisoners had been transferred to prisons in their home provinces.<ref name="3000 release"/> Shahristani had previously publicly apologised in January 2013 for holding detainees without charge.<ref name="30 Jan Daily Star"/> | ||
====Opposition groups==== | ====Opposition groups==== | ||
* ] – On 1 January 2013, Shiite cleric and politician ] came out in favour of the protests and blamed Prime Minister ] for the unrest in Iraq. In a warning to Maliki, Sadr stated: "The Iraqi spring is coming." Sadr even expressed his willingness to travel to ] to join in the protests, but stated that his support was conditional on the protests remaining peaceful and did not seek to promote sectarian divisions.<ref>{{cite news |title= |
* ] – On 1 January 2013, Shiite cleric and politician ] came out in favour of the protests and blamed Prime Minister ] for the unrest in Iraq. In a warning to Maliki, Sadr stated: "The Iraqi spring is coming." Sadr even expressed his willingness to travel to ] to join in the protests, but stated that his support was conditional on the protests remaining peaceful and did not seek to promote sectarian divisions.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraq's Sadr Encourages Antigovernment Demonstrations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/02/world/middleeast/moktada-al-sadr-encourages-demonstrations-in-iraq.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=1 January 2013 |accessdate=25 February 2013}}</ref> Sadr later made a rare television appearance where he prayed alongside Sunni clerics in a landmark Sunni mosque in Baghdad. Sadr however has been criticised due to his previous support for militias and engagement in violence against Sunni's during the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Back in Black |author=Eli Sugarman and Omar Al-Nidawi |url=http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/138838/eli-sugarman-and-omar-al-nidawi/back-in-black?page=1 |newspaper=Foreign Affairs |date=11 February 2013 |accessdate=25 February 2013}}</ref> | ||
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Ba'ath Party.svg}} ] – On 5 January 2013, a 53-minute video was released on ] in which ], Secretary of the ] of the ], stated his support for and encouraged the protests, saying that "the people of Iraq and all its nationalist and ] forces support you until the realization of your just demands for the fall of the Safavid-Persian alliance".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ninanews.com/english/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=GFHEGI |title=Nephew of Izzat al-Douri arrested |publisher=National Iraq News Agency (NINA) | |
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Ba'ath Party.svg}} ] – On 5 January 2013, a 53-minute video was released on ] in which ], Secretary of the ] of the ], stated his support for and encouraged the protests, saying that "the people of Iraq and all its nationalist and ] forces support you until the realization of your just demands for the fall of the Safavid-Persian alliance".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ninanews.com/english/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=GFHEGI |title=Nephew of Izzat al-Douri arrested |publisher=National Iraq News Agency (NINA) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006125903/http://www.ninanews.com/english/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=GFHEGI |archive-date=October 6, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=56280 |title=Izzat al-Duri: It's time to overthrow Iraq 'Safavid' government |publisher=Middle East Online}}</ref> | ||
===International=== | ===International=== | ||
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} – Foreign Minister ] warned that the Iraqi government needed to address the issue of sectarian extremism in order to restore peace, on January 5 at a press conference in Riyadh.<ref>{{cite |
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}} – Foreign Minister ] warned that the Iraqi government needed to address the issue of sectarian extremism in order to restore peace, on January 5 at a press conference in Riyadh.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-saudi-sectarianism-idUSBRE90406R20130105 |title=Sectarianism will prolong instability in Iraq: Saudi Arabia |date=5 January 2013 |work=Reuters}}</ref> | ||
==See also== | |||
{{Portal|Iraq|Politics |
{{Portal|Iraq|Politics}} | ||
⚫ | * ] | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
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{{Reflist|30em}} | {{Reflist|30em}} | ||
{{Arab Spring}} | {{Arab Spring}} | ||
{{Protests in Iraq}} | |||
⚫ | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Iraqi Protests}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Iraqi Protests}} | ||
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] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
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Latest revision as of 08:50, 13 December 2024
Sectarian protests and violence in Iraq during the post-U.S. insurgency2012–2013 Iraqi protests | |||
---|---|---|---|
Part of the Arab Spring and the Iraqi insurgency (2011–2013) | |||
Sunni demonstrators protesting against the Maliki government (Dec. 2012–Jan. 2013) | |||
Date | 21 December 2012 (2012-12-21) – 30 December 2013 (1 year, 1 week and 2 days) | ||
Location | Iraq | ||
Caused by |
| ||
Methods | |||
Resulted in |
| ||
Parties | |||
| |||
Lead figures | |||
Decentralized leadership
Nouri al-Maliki | |||
Casualties | |||
Death(s) | 200+ |
The 2012–2013 Iraqi protests started on 21 December 2012 following a raid on the home of Sunni Finance Minister Rafi al-Issawi and the arrest of 10 of his bodyguards. Beginning in Fallujah, the protests afterwards spread throughout Sunni Arab parts of Iraq. The protests centered on the issue of the alleged sectarianism of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Pro-Maliki protests also took place throughout central and southern Iraq, where there is a Shia Arab majority. In April 2013, sectarian violence escalated after the 2013 Hawija clashes. The protests continued throughout 2013, and in December Maliki used security forces to forcefully close down the main protest camp in Ramadi, leaving at least ten gunmen and three policemen dead in the process.
Background
Main articles: 2011 Iraqi protests and Iraqi insurgency (2011–2013)Iraqi Sunni minority traditionally held power in Iraq, but the Sunni-dominated Ba'ath party was overthrown by the United States Armed Forces during the 2003 invasion, and Shia majority gained power. The majority of Iraqis are Shiites.
Unlike the protests in 2011, which revolved around issues of corruption and national security, the new protests were driven by Sunni Arabs who felt marginalized in the post-Saddam Iraq, and who claimed that anti-terrorism laws were allegedly being abused and used to arrest and harass Sunnis. The growth of the protests, however, led the initial demands to be expanded, and eventually one of the main requests of the protesters was the resignation of Prime Minister Maliki. Other issues often cited were the alleged abuse of De-Baathification laws and unfair confiscation of property of former Baathists, and alleged Iranian interference in Iraqi affairs.
Timeline
2012
December
21–27 December
The protests began on 21 December 2012 following a raid on the home of Sunni Finance Minister Rafi al-Issawi and the arrest of some of his bodyguards.
Following the arrest several thousand protesters took to the streets of Fallujah following Friday prayers to condemn the arrests. The protesters blocked a highway in Fallujah and demanded Prime Minister Maliki's resignation, waving banners reading: "Resistance is still in our veins." 23 December also saw protesters begin the barricading of the main highway at Ramadi, thereby disrupting a key Iraqi trade route to Jordan and Syria. The protests also spread from Al Anbar Governorate to other Sunni parts of Iraq including Mosul, Samarra Tikrit, and the Adhimiya district of Baghdad. As the protests in Anbar grew, delegations were sent to support to the protests from Baghdad and Saladin Governorate, with smaller delegations coming from the southern Iraqi governorates of Maysan and Basra. In order to try to prevent the further spread of the protests, the Iraqi Army established a cordon in Nineveh Governorate on 27 December.
28 December "Friday of Honour"
28 December saw the protests increase in size, with tens of thousands taking part in the "Friday of Honour" protests against perceived government sectarianism.
29 December – 4 January
In their second week, the protests spread to Saladin and Diyala Governorates for the first time. During the week protests took place in Mosul, Kirkuk, Baiji, Tikrit, al-Daur, Ishaqi, Samarra, Jalawla, Dhuluiyah, Baquba, Ramadi, Fallujah, Baghdad, Albu Ajil, and Nasiriyah. The sit-in at Ramadi, blocking the highway, continued, and was visited from Amman by Sunni Iraqi Cleric Abdul Malik al-Saadi on 28 December. Tribal delegations traveled to Ramadi from Kirkuk, Karbala, and Muthanna, to support the protests. On 4 January the Baghdad Operations Command ordered the 6th Division to secure the Adhamiyah bridge to prevent sympathetic demonstrators from West Baghdad joining the anti-government demonstrations in the Adhamiyah district of East Baghdad. There were also reports of Iraqi Army units preventing delegations and media personnel from visiting Anbar from Baghdad.
On 30 December Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq, a Sunni and critic of Maliki, travelled to Ramadi to attempt to address the protesters. Mutlaq's convoy was pelted with bottles and stones, and protesters chanted for him to leave, with some being angry that Mutlaq had taken a week to support the protesters, believing that he had come to undermine the protests. Bodyguards for Mutlaq wounded two people when they fired warning shots. Mutlaq's office described the incident as an attempted assassination by rogue elements.
2013
January
5–11 January
The week of 5 January saw continuing anti-government protests in Mosul, Kirkuk, Tikrit, al-Daur, Samarra, Dhuluiyah, Ramadi, Fallujah, Abu Ghraib, and the Baghdad districts of Adhamiya and Ghazaliyah. The week also saw the emergence of pro-government protests, taking place in Baghdad, along with the southern Shiite cities of Karbala, Kut, Najaf, Diwaniyah, Samawa, and Basra. The week also witnessed renewed government efforts to contain and deter protests, mostly through heightened security and deployments of military units.
Since the beginning of the protests, the Ninewa Operations Command of the Iraqi Army had been attempting to close Ahrar square, which was the site of the majority of anti-government protests in Mosul. Clashes between protesters and army units erupted on 7 January when army vehicles ran over several protesters, wounding 4, in an attempt to disperse the protester in the square. On 8 January four more protesters were wounded when Iraqi military units opened fire in the square. The clashes led to security for eastern Mosul being taken from the military and given to the Iraqi Federal Police 3rd Division.
The Baghdad Operations Command also implemented a cordon in Al Tarmia, a town north of Baghdad, on 7 January in order to prevent protesters from blocking either highway leading north from Baghdad. The Baghdad to Mosul highway was eventually closed near Taji on January 11 by Iraqi army units. The Baghdad Operations Command deployed units on the eastern edge of Fallujah on 9 January. Security within the Adhamiya district of Baghdad was also tightened on 11 January in an effort to deter protests. The 11th Iraqi Army Division was deployed north of Tikrit by the Tigris Operations Command on January 11 to prevent protests in Hawija.
In the west of Iraq units from the 29th Mechanised Brigade of the 7th Army Division closed the Jordan-Iraqi border crossing at Trebil due to unspecified security concerns.
Thousands of pro-Maliki demonstrators took to the streets in at least 5 governorates on Tuesday 8 January to voice support for Maliki and oppose an attempts to change the de-Baathification laws. Protesters also voiced opposition to any return of the Baath party or the dividing of Iraq along sectarian or ethnic lines. Protests took place in Basra, Diwaniyah, Karbala, Al Muthanna and Babil Governorate.
25 January "No Retreat Friday"
On 25 January, several protests were held across Anbar Governorate, with other protests also appearing in Samarra, Baqubah, Kirkuk, Mosul, Baghdad, and Hawija, as part of "No Retreat Friday." The protests turned deadly in Fallujah, as soldiers opened fire on a crowd of rock-throwing demonstrators, killing 7 and injuring more than 70 others. Three soldiers were later shot to death in retaliation for the incident, and clashes erupted in Askari, on the eastern outskirts of Fallujah. Security forces were placed on high alert as a curfew and vehicle ban were brought into effect. In a statement, Maliki urged both sides to show restraint and blamed the incident on unruly protesters. He also warned that it could lead to a "rise in tension that al-Qaida and terrorist groups are trying to take advantage of".
Thousands of people attended the funerals of the slain protesters on 26 January, some carrying Saddam-era Iraqi flags. The government responded to the shooting by pulling out most Army forces from the city and replacing them with federal police. In a statement read at Fallujah's main square, Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha announced that the tribal leaders had given the government one week to bring the perpetrators of the shooting to justice. If this demand is not met, the Sheikh, who is the chairman of the Anbar Salvation Council, promised to "launch jihad against army units and posts in Anbar".
February
22 February "'Iraq or Maliki"
On 22 February thousands of protesters took to the streets of Ramadi, Baghdad, Mosul, and Fallujah following Friday prayers in order to continue the demonstrations against the Iraqi government, calling for Maliki to step down.
The day also saw seven members of a Sahwa militia (originally moderate Sunni tribal groups) killed in Tuz Khormato by armed men wearing military uniforms, presumably al-Qaeda-linked fighters. The assailants asked a local militia leader to accompany them to a checkpoint manned by a Sahwa militia, at which point the uniformed group overpowered the leader and members of the Sahwa militia before executing them.
March
8–10 March
On 8 March police fired on Sunni demonstrators in Mosul, killing 1 protester and injuring 5 others. Police claimed that they fired into the air to disperse stone throwing protesters. In response to the shooting the Minister of Agriculture, Izz al-Din al-Dawla, hosted a televised news conference where he announced his resignation from his cabinet post to protest the killings. Dawla therefore became the second minister of resign as part of the protests, after Rafi al-Issawi.
On 10 March Bunyan Sabar al-Obeidi, an anti-government protest organiser and spokesman for the Sunni protests in Kirkuk, was shot and killed whilst driving his car in Kirkuk in a drive-by shooting by unknown gunmen. Obeidi had escaped an assassination attempt the previous week.
April
Sunni uprising and backlash
Main articles: 2013 Hawija clashes and May 2013 Iraq attacksFollowing four months of protests, on Friday 19 April, an Iraqi officer was killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in Hawija, a town west of Kirkuk. Following the refusal of residents to hand over suspected perpetrators the security forces sought; Hawija was then put under siege.
On the morning of 23 April, a security forces operation in Hawija resulted in the deaths of about 20 protesters and 3 Iraqi soldiers. Over a hundred people were injured. The clashes erupted after security forces entered the area that was being used as a sit-in by Sunni protesters against the government. Sheikh Abdullah Sami al-Asi, a Sunni provincial official, said the violence resulted from the security forces entering the area and trying to make arrests. There was also retaliatory violence in the surrounding Sunni-majority region where other gunmen attacked police checkpoints in Riyadh and Rashad until a military counterattack a few hours later. On the same day, at least 21 others were killed as they left Sunni mosques in Baghdad and Diyala. Following the raid, Sunni tribal leaders called for a revolt.
The next day revenge attacks continued against the police action. The north of the country featured more violence between security forces and protesters. In Sulaiman Bek, north of Baghdad, gunmen killed five soldiers and wounded five of their colleagues, while gunmen attacked a Sahwa militia checkpoint in Khales and killed four of the militiamen and wounding another person. Total deaths over the two days are believed to be over 100. The Iraqi government also set up a commission to investigate the previous day's incidents, that is to be led by Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq. On 25 April, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki warned of a sectarian war and blamed "remnants of Baath Party for violence."
Following the clashes in Suleiman Bek the Iraqi Army withdrew from the town, with an officer claiming the move was to allow for civilians to leave the town before the army began a counter-offensive. However, clashes and protests continued across the country with renewed protests by Sunni Arabs calling for the prime minister's resignation and an end to alleged discrimination against them. Violence also continued with the death toll reaching 200 after five days. The violence also included attacks on Sunni mosques. Sunni Arabs formed the Army of Pride and Dignity as the sectarian clashes escalated.
On 27 April, the Iraqi government banned 10 satellite channels, including Al Jazeera and Iraq's Al Sharqiya. Mujahid Abu al-Hail of the Communications and Media Commission said: "We took a decision to suspend the licence of some satellite channels that adopted language encouraging violence and sectarianism. It means stopping their work in Iraq and their activities, so they cannot cover events in Iraq or move around." Two days later, five car bombs blew up in Shia-majority areas. In Amara town in Maysan Governorate killing 15 people and wounding 45 others; in Al Diwaniyah a bomb exploded near a restaurant, killing three people and wounding 25 others; while in Karbala a car bomb explosion killed three civilians and wounded 12 others; and another car bomb exploded in the Shia-majority neighbourhood of the Sunni-majority town of Mahmoudiya killing three people and wounding 15 others. The same day, the Iraqiya's Sunni Arab Speaker of Parliament Osama al-Nujaifi called for the resignation of the government to be replaced by a smaller cabinet of independents, who would not compete in the next election, and for the electoral commission to prepare for an early national election with parliament to be dissolved. On 1 May, more attacks took place against a Sunni group of fighters backed by the government and in a Shia area.
May
On 17 May, at least 72 deaths were reported in several cities, including the capital, on Sunni targets. Attacks continued the next day, amid warning of a civil war after four days of violence resulted in over 140 deaths. On 20 May, bombs in Baghdad and Basra targeting Shias resulted in at least 68 deaths. It also hit Sunni areas such as Samarra. Following a previous week attack on alcohol shops that killed 12 people, the mixed Sunni-Shia area of Zayhouna in Baghdad was attacked again, resulting in the deaths of seven women and five men. On 27 May, over 50 deaths were reported in Shia areas of Baghdad. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki later vowed to hunt down the outlaws. On 31 May, following Friday prayers, a bomb exploded outside Baghdad's Sunni Omar mosque killing four people and wounding 11 other worshippers. The UN also noted the death toll for May being the highest in five years with Al Jazeera attributing it to increased sectarianism. Additionally, the government banned cars with common temporary licence plates to try to avoid car bombings.
June–November
Following the April Hawija clashes, the number of protesters diminished, and sectarian violence increased. In July however, as Ramadan began, the protests intensified for a time.
Provincial elections took place in Anbar in June 2013, and afterwards the new governor, Ahmad Khalaf al-Dhiyabi of the Muttahidoon coalition, began seeking ways to reconcile with Maliki. With the approval of protesters, Dhiyabi began negotiations with the Maliki government on 7 October. On 25 November, Dhiyabi led a delegation to meet with Maliki in Baghdad once again. Maliki agreed to many of the protesters' demands, but reiterated that the protests should be stopped.
December
By late December Prime Minister Maliki was claiming that the Ramadi protest camp had been turned into a headquarters for the leadership of al-Qaeda. Simultaneously the Iraqi army was conducting an offensive in Al Anbar Governorate against al-Qaeda.
On Saturday 28 December MP Ahmed al-Alwani was arrested in a raid on his home in Ramadi. During the raid Alwani's brother, as well as 5 of his guards were killed. Eight other guards were wounded, whilst 10 members of the security forces were also wounded. Alwani was a prominent supporter of an anti-government protest camp situated on a highway near Ramadi. Reacting to his arrest, influential Sunni cleric Sheik Abdul Malik Al-Saadi urged Sunni protesters to defend themselves.
The following evening, on Sunday 29 December, an Iraqi defense ministry spokesperson claimed on state TV that local Sunni leaders and clerics had agreed to peacefully end the 12 month sit in at the Ramadi protest camp after the Iraqi government had warned them that the camp was a potential shelter for al-Qaeda.
The following day Iraqi security forces dismantled the Ramadi protest camp, however police special forces units claimed they came under fire when trying to enter the camp. At least ten people were killed and a number of police vehicles were attacked and burned, whilst Iraqi government helicopters supported security forces moving in on the camp. Loudspeakers from some Mosques in Ramadi reportedly exhorted people to "go to jihad." A doctor at Ramadi hospital claimed that 10 gunmen had been killed and 30 wounded, whilst 3 policemen were killed and some four police vehicles destroyed.
Several hours later, in reaction to the violence in Ramadi, some 40 Sunni MP's offered their resignations. The MP's demanded the withdrawal of the army from Ramadi and the release of Ahmed al-Alwani. The MP's resignations however will not have effect unless accepted by the parliaments speaker, Usama al-Nujayfi. Sunni politician Saleh al-Mutlaq called for all politicians from the Iraqi National Movement to withdraw from the political process, which he claimed had hit a "dead end." Sheik Abdul Malik Al-Saadi denounced the move against the protest camp, and called on security forces to immediately withdraw in order to avert further bloodshed. Saadi also called the Maliki led Iraqi government a "sectarian government that wants to smash and eradicate the Sunni people in its country," and urged on Sunni politicians to resign from their posts and abstain from the political process.
Aftermath
Main article: Anbar campaign (2013–2014)Following the December 2013 clashes, ISIL launched a campaign in Anbar, taking control of Fallujah and temporarily occupying parts of Ramadi. Tribal militias fought alongside ISIL, and according to Sheikh Ali Hatem al-Suleiman of the Dulaim tribe, ISIL constituted only 5–7% of the anti-government forces. Fighting continued in 2014 and by June, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war, with ISIL at one point controlling over 40% of Iraq.
Responses
Domestic
Government
The Iraqi government took steps to appease the protesters. On 29 January 2013 the Iraqi government announced that it would raise the salaries of Sahwa militia members by two-thirds, due to higher wages for Sahwa militia members, along with their incorporation into the security services and civil service being one of the demands of the protest movement. In February 2013 Deputy Prime Minister Hussein al-Shahristani's announced that 3,000 prisoners had been released over the past month and that all female prisoners had been transferred to prisons in their home provinces. Shahristani had previously publicly apologised in January 2013 for holding detainees without charge.
Opposition groups
- Sadrist Movement – On 1 January 2013, Shiite cleric and politician Muqtada al-Sadr came out in favour of the protests and blamed Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for the unrest in Iraq. In a warning to Maliki, Sadr stated: "The Iraqi spring is coming." Sadr even expressed his willingness to travel to Al Anbar Governorate to join in the protests, but stated that his support was conditional on the protests remaining peaceful and did not seek to promote sectarian divisions. Sadr later made a rare television appearance where he prayed alongside Sunni clerics in a landmark Sunni mosque in Baghdad. Sadr however has been criticised due to his previous support for militias and engagement in violence against Sunni's during the Iraq War.
- Ba'ath Party – On 5 January 2013, a 53-minute video was released on YouTube in which Izzat Ibrahim ad-Douri, Secretary of the Iraqi Regional Command of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, stated his support for and encouraged the protests, saying that "the people of Iraq and all its nationalist and Islamic forces support you until the realization of your just demands for the fall of the Safavid-Persian alliance".
International
- Saudi Arabia – Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal warned that the Iraqi government needed to address the issue of sectarian extremism in order to restore peace, on January 5 at a press conference in Riyadh.
See also
References
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OETA (1918–1920) | |
Mandatory Iraq (1920–1932) | |
Kingdom of Iraq (1921–1958) | |
Iraqi Republic (1958–1968) | |
Republic of Iraq (1968–2003) | |
Republic of Iraq (since 2003) |