Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s capital has been torn by fighting among rival Shi’ite militias backed by neighboring Iran.

Officials acknowledged that the government was losing control of Baghdad to Shi’ite militias armed and financed by Iran, Middle East Newsline reported. They said the militias were in control over large areas of the capital city and often fought each other.

“They carry weapons under the full gaze of the security services, facing no reprimand at all,” Iraqi parliamentarian Issam Al Obeidi said.

Officials said militia violence was greatest in the Karada district of Baghdad. They said the government has decided to crack down on the militias and outlaw unauthorized weapons in Karada.

On Jan. 31, the secretary-general of a leading militia, Hizbullah-Iraq, was abducted in Karada. Abbas Al Mohamadawi was said to have been taken to an unknown location as part of the power struggle between Shi’ite factions.

“The prime minister has ordered the Baghdad Operations Command to ensure the Karada region is completely emptied of all weapons,” Baghdad Operations Command spokesman Gen. Saad Muin said.

On Feb. 3, at least five people were killed when three bombs exploded in Karada. No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Shi’ite militias, some of them armed with U.S. main battle tanks, have played a major role in the counter-offensive against Islamic State of Iraq and Levant. Most of the Iraq Army collapsed during ISIL’s capture of the north in June 2014.
“The armed groups and militias have already spread throughout Karada and other regions and have a noticeable presence there,” Al Obeidi, the parliamentarian, said.

  Chaos in Baghdad: Capital city torn by Iran-backed militia, some driving U.S. tanks, WorldTribune.com