A clash between Iraqi security forces and militiamen left at least one policeman dead and another wounded at dawn on Sunday in Baghdad, residents and media outlets said.
Three militiamen linked to the powerful Iran-backed Asaib Ahl Al Haq armed group were arrested after the clashes in the capital’s eastern district of Sadr City, a police officer told a local media outlet.
Residents told The National that a row erupted between a Federal Police patrol and the militiamen when the police seized unregistered cars used by the group, they added.
Gunfire was also seen in videos published on social media, showing Federal Police vehicles rushing to the scene.
The Interior Ministry has not issued a statement and requests for comment by The National were unanswered.
Although Sadr City is the stronghold of the of influential cleric Moqtada Al Sadr’s supporters and his Al Salam Brigades militia, his rivals in Asaib Ahl Al Haq also have a presence in the sprawling district.
Led by Qais Al Khazali, a former member of Mr Al Sadr's movement, AAH is one of the main backers for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani’s government who took office in October 2022. It is a leading component of the Iran-backed Co-ordination Framework which is now the largest bloc in Parliament.
Since the war against ISIS largely came to an end in 2017, the number of Iran-backed Shiite militias increased from a handful to more than 40 at the height of the struggle. Since then, they have grown more powerful in the country with growing political sway and economic power.
Increasingly, a number of the groups have clashed over control over checkpoints and economic interests, but the rivalry between AAH and Mr Al Sadr's followers has been the most intense.
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Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
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'Brazen'
Director: Monika Mitchell
Starring: Alyssa Milano, Sam Page, Colleen Wheeler
Rating: 3/5
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
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2013: South Korea 0-2 Brazil
2002: South Korea 2-3 Brazil
1999: South Korea 1-0 Brazil
1997: South Korea 1-2 Brazil
1995: South Korea 0-1 Brazil
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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
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1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
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Winner: Aatebat Al Khalediah, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer).
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
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8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,200m
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8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m
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9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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Sand storm
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Dust storm
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