Decrying “humiliation” at checkpoints, Anbar threatens with autonomy
An Iraqi security checkpoint (representational photo)
Anbar (IraqiNews) A number of local officials and tribal leaders in Anbar have threatened to declare the province an autonomous region in protest at what they called “humiliation” of civilians at security checkpoints set up on its borders with Baghdad.
Hamid al-Dulaimi, a member of Anbar province council, was quoted by Sky Press saying in press statements on Wednesday that continuing closure of al-Sokour checkpoint on the borders with Baghdad will prompt the council to declare “The Anbar autonomous region”.
“Political and economic circumstances in Anbar are threatening the security of the province and liberated areas due to the closure of al-Sokour checkpoint,” said al-Dulaimi, blaming the closure for hiking prices of food, medicine and building materials.
“The government in Anbar will take urgent measures if the Sokour checkpoint is not opened within 24 hours,” he said, urging Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to “hold accountable the parties responsible for humiliating citizens and denying them entry to the capital of their country.”
Raad al-Suleiman, chief of al-Dulaim tribe, told Rudaw network that excessive security restrictions on Anbar’s borders with Baghdad “encourage an establishment of a Sunni region”, adding that the restrictions are aimed at “isolating Anbar”.
The statements came a few hours after a civilian was reportedly shot dead following a brawl with an army member at the checkpoint. An army official denied personnel involvement, saying the incident took place hundreds of kilometers away from the outpost.
On Monday, head of the army’s Baghdad Operations, Lt. Gen Jalil al-Rubaiy, attributed the intensified security measures at al-Soqour to information that more booby-trapped vehicles run by Islamic State militants were on their way for attacks in Baghdad, noting that 80 percent of cars detonated in the capital came from Anbar.
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