Tribal leaders in Diwaniyah and Karbala back Iraq's anti-corruption operation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Tribal leaders in Diwaniyah and Karbala declared support for the Iraqi government's campaign against financial corruption, backing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's steps to pursue those accused of graft. In a press conference at the home of Sheikh Nabil Hussein al-Amir, head of the Hujaym tribe in Diwaniyah, the tribal council said it stood fully behind the government and judiciary in their anti-corruption efforts. Al-Amir called the prime minister's measures against corruption figures "an important beginning for state-building." Tribal representatives in Karbala also offered unconditional support for the federal government's operations and called for the pursuit of those involved in corruption in Baghdad and other cities. The statement, which should not be confused with operations in Kirkuk and Baghdad, said tribal and community protection would be withdrawn from such individuals and that tribal guest houses would no longer shelter them. The Babil tribal council had previously endorsed the campaign launched by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and called for an iron-fisted fight against corruption. The tribal endorsements follow security forces' closure of Green Zone gates and raids on the homes of lawmakers, politicians and business figures.