Iraq hit by wave of political violence weeks ahead of national election
Authorities work to step up security ahead of the upcoming vote, which could again be marked by low turnout amid widespread frustration with the political process.
An election candidate survived an assassination attempt and a shooting occurred near a political bloc’s office in Iraq on Wednesday, according to local reports, underscoring the security challenges and divisions in the country ahead of the country's parliamentary election slated for Nov. 11.
The vehicle of Amjad Talib al-Saymari, a candidate for the State of Law Coalition, was fired at by unknown assailants in the southern province of Basra on Wednesday. Saymari survived the ordeal, Iraqi media outlets reported.
The State of Law Coalition is a Shiite political group led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. It is part of the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite parties that supports Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Many members of the State of Law Coalition are supportive of close ties and coordinate with Iran.
That same day an unknown assailant opened fire near the office of an unspecified Sadiqoun Bloc candidate in Baghdad, per reports. Sadiqoun is the political wing of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of the most prominent Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
