Diyala police ask U.S. troops’ help in battle with U.S.-backed militias

 

By Hussain al-Yaaqoubi

 

Azzaman, February 12, 2008

 

Fierce clashes between U.S.-backed Sunni militias and Iraqi police have prompted U.S. occupation troops in the country to interfere.

 

But the troops have opted to side with the police against the Sunni tribal militias they created, trained, financed and armed to fight al-Qaeda in Iraq.

 

Tensions are high in the restive Diyala Province of which Baaquba is the capital with the Sunni militias threatening to turn their guns against U.S. troops and the Shiite-dominated government if their demands are not met.

 

One crucial demand Sunni militia tribal leaders are not willing to compromise is the removal of the police chief Ghanim al-Quraishi who they say is involved in sectarian violence.

 

It is not clear whether U.S. troops will succeed in negotiating a deal amid reports that the Sunni tribal militia leaders in the province suspect U.S. intentions.

 

The government fears if it relents, the move might send the wrong signal to other U.S.-supported Sunni militias to press for new demands.

 

Such militias known as Majalis Sahwa, or Awakening Councils, have bases in major Sunni-dominated areas in Iraq.

 

But they are reported to have closed down their office in Diyala and stopped cooperating with U.S. troops in the fight against al-Qaeda, which itself is predominantly a Sunni violent group.

 

Iraqi troops and police are on alert in the province and there are reports that the government is to send additional forces to back them up.