Iraq’s Anbar tribes demand government withdraw Shia militia

Sunni tribes in Iraq’s Anbar province have demanded the government withdraw the Shia Popular Mobilisation Forces from the area and replace them with military units and clansmen.

The tribes’ elders have also called for the prosecution of pro-government militia leaders for their involvement in sectarian retaliation against civilians.

President of the Arab Tribes Council Thaer al-Bayati said what is happening in the provinces of Anbar, Salahuddin and Diyala, and the area around Baghdad, is systematic violations against members of the Arab tribes.

He pointed out that possibly thousands have been subjected to persecution, murder and displacement by pro-government militias.