Islamic State attack sparks sectarian bloodletting in Iraq’s Diyala
An Islamic State attack has triggered a crescendo of acts of violence against and displacement of Sunnis in Iraq’s Diyala province, which borders Iran and has long suffered the presence of cells operating in its dense orchards and parts of the Hamrin Mountains.
An Islamic State (IS) attack against members of a prominent Shiite-majority tribe in Iraq’s eastern region of Diyala in late October was followed by retaliatory violence against local Sunnis, sparking fears of a return to the years of massive sectarian bloodshed.
An operation conducted by Iraqi security forces Nov. 3 as well as additional security forces sent to the area have failed to quell widespread concerns and indignation.
