Two deaths reported in Basra, including member of banned 'Sacrifice' group

BASRA, Iraq — Security sources in Basra said a man in his 30s identified as a member of the banned "Sacrifice" group took his own life in the Najiibiyah area of the province. A separate security source reported that a contracted police officer in his 20s also died by suicide while on duty in the town of Imam Sadiq, north of Basra. No motive was given for the officer's death. The Sacrifice group, also known as "Eliyullahiye," is described as a religious formation that emerged in Iraq and promotes extremist ideas based on the divinity of Imam Ali. The group is said to draw "sacrifice lots" during certain religious occasions to select individuals for self-sacrifice and to hold rituals that authorities describe as deviant. Iraqi security forces have previously arrested numerous members of the group across Wasit, Basra, Musanna, Dhi Qar and Diwaniyah, in connection with suicide attempts linked to the rituals. The group is banned in Iraq, where membership in organizations that promote extremist ideas or incite violence is a criminal offense under the constitution and the law.