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What is Behind Increase In Sectarian Killings in Iraq?

A recent spate of execution-style killings in Iraq has again brought into question the effectiveness of the Iraqi security services, writes Ali Abel Sadah.

Iraqi Sunni Muslims shout slogans during an anti-government demonstration in Falluja, 50 km (30 miles) west of Baghdad, February 1, 2013. Chanting "No" to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, tens of thousands of Sunni Muslims protested after Friday prayers in huge rallies against the Shi'ite premier that are raising the spectre of renewed sectarian unrest. REUTERS/Mohanned Faisal (IRAQ - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTR3D8G9
Iraqi Sunni Muslims shout slogans during an anti-government demonstration in Falluja, 50 km (30 miles) west of Baghdad, Feb. 1, 2013. — REUTERS/Mohanned Faisal

Regarding the incidents of Feb. 19, 2013, a source in Iraqi intelligence told Al-Monitor, “An armed militia wearing an official military outfit executed eight members of al-Sahwa in the city of Tuz Khormato (north of Baghdad).”

The al-Sahwa forces were formed by the U.S. Army in 2008, but the government neglected them. Consequently, the forces members faced unemployment, while also topping the list of al-Qaeda’s assassination targets.

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