1.3 Impact of the security situation on civilian population at national level

1.3 Impact of the security situation on civilian population at national level

As described in section 1.2, the security situation in Iraq is characterised by different conflicts and sources of tension. Consequently, different areas of the country have specific security dynamics, trends and patterns. More detailed background information on the security situation in the different governorates can be found in section 1.4 Security situation and conflict impact on civilians by governorates.

During the reference period, ACLED data showed a discrepancy between the number of incidents of explosions/remote violence in a specific region and the number of incidents of violence against civilians. For instance, while there were 2 507 incidents of explosions/remote violence recorded in Dohuk governorate (the vast majority of which involved attacks by the Turkish military and the PKK against each other), just 6 incidents of violence against civilians were recorded in the same governorate during the reference period. Most incidents of violence against civilians were recorded in Baghdad (74), Missan (50) and Thi-Qar (28) governorates, followed by Basrah (24), Kirkuk (16) and Erbil (12) governorates, with the vast majority of perpetrators being unknown.103

In the southern governorates of Missan, Thi-Qar and Basrah, tribal conflicts resulted in frequent armed clashes, some of which required intervention by the Iraqi military. These confrontations commonly involved light to medium firearms and, on occasion, the use of mortar shells. The violence is often rooted in longstanding disputes over agricultural land, water access, and control of border crossings.104 However, as of May 2025, a notable decline in tribal violence was reported in Thi-Qar, marking a potential shift after years of recurrent conflict in the governorate.105 See section 2.10. Persons involved in and affected by blood/land disputes.

While the majority of ISIL attacks during the reference period targeted Iraqi security forces,106 civilians also continued to be affected. ISIL was responsible for sporadic incidents involving abductions,107 including a killing and the destruction of civilian property.108

Turkish military operations on Iraqi territory, primarily aimed at targeting PKK fighters,109 were also reported to have impacted civilians in northern Iraq.110 Some operations resulted in civilian casualties.111

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that they registered over 1 500 new cases of missing persons during 2024, while 343 cases were resolved.112 No further information was provided by the source on the reasons behind such disappearances.