Nikhaib massacre aims at sectarian conflict – MP

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: An Anbar parliamentary MP described the Nikhaib intrusion as “trying to ignite sectarian divisions between Anbar and Karbala provinces,” denouncing the arrest of Anbar residents.   MP Khalid al-Alwani told IraqiNews.com that “what happened is a serious precedent, when Karbala‘s provincial council chairman entered Anbar‘s territory, as a militia man, and kidnapped citizens. Such actions do not fall under his duty, but rather the duty of the security forces.”   He called upon Premier Nouri al-Maliki to investigate the matter, and charged Anbar forces as being accomplices to those of Karbala.   Al-Alwani warned of reciprocal bases with Karbala province if the innocents were not released.   Information varied on the authority that arrested Anbar citizens, or might be implicated in Nikhaib massacre.   Security sources in Anbar said that Karbala SWAT forces conducted five security operations west of Anbar that resulted in the arrest of 20 people, including two religious Imams.   Head of Karbala‘s Provincial Council Nisaif Jassim al-Khitabi told IraqiNews.com that a joint Kerbela-Anbar force arrested 10 of the killers.   An unknown group kidnapped a bus coming from Syria with 30 passengers, where the women and children were left. 22 dead bodies were found in a distant valley in the area, including two from Fallouja, Anbar and a Syrian driver, according to health authorities.   RM (TI)/SR 220