Commander of the Basra police department admits that “The police force is incapable of executing its duties because its members report to Basra’s militias and (political) parties”

November 2, 2007 2:37 pm henrymunsonjr Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, Basra, Shiite Militiamen in Iraqi Army and Police, Mahdi Army, Iraq

Iraqi City In The Grip Of Militias, Al Jazeera English, October 31, 2007

Amid warnings that southern Iraq could erupt into civil war when British troops withdraw, Basra’s chief of police has publicly admitted that his forces have been unable to clamp down on growing militia warfare in the city.

In recent months, rival Shia factions have been battling for control of the city which is considered the second largest in the country and home to Iraq’s only port.

This makes the Basra a vital outlet to the Gulf for marine transportation of oil and fuel products – a lucrative prize for any political faction looking to consolidate its power in Baghdad.

The ensuing power struggle has led to an exodus of Sunni, Shia and Christian families northwards and often out of the country.

Earlier this week, Major-General Jalil Khalaf, commander of the Basra police department, admitted for the first time that the militias have proven too strong for – and often infiltrated - his forces.

Speaking to As-Sabah, the official Iraqi daily, he said: “Most of Basra’s ports, especially Um Qasr, are under the control of militia gangs.

“The police force is incapable of executing its duties because its members report to Basra’s militias and (political) parties which own those militias.

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