Watan-A video clip that circulated on social media showing gunfire inside the “Mredi” market in central Baghdad has sparked widespread anger among Iraqis, who criticized the escalating security chaos in their country.
The footage depicted an exchange of gunfire in broad daylight, in front of bystanders inside the “Mredi market” in the Sadr City area of central Baghdad, resulting in one fatality.
The perpetrator was reported to be working as a facility protection officer, and the altercation stemmed from a dispute over a clothing store, fueling anger over the increasing prevalence of armed violence in Iraq.
Iraqi sources stated that a security force cordoned off the area and apprehended the assailant, who was subsequently detained.
Iraqi journalist Omar Al-Janabi mocked the deteriorating security situation in the Iraqi capital, tweeting: “A glimpse of security and safety in Mredi market in the capital Baghdad… A friendly dispute under the rule of armed factions governing the country.”
جانب من الأمن والأمان في سوق مريدي بالعاصمة بغداد
خلاف ودي بين مواطنين، في ظل حكم الفصائل المسلحة للبلاد. pic.twitter.com/PkEhXlkToQ
— عمر الجنابي (@omartvsd) February 25, 2024
Statement from Baghdad Police Regarding Confrontation at Mredi Market
In a statement released today, Sunday, the Baghdad Police announced the arrest of the individuals involved in the armed confrontation at the Mredi market.
The official statement read: “Upon receiving reports of a brawl, gunfire, and murder within the Sadr City, patrols from the Second Sadr Police Department (Revolution Police Station) headed to the scene.”
The police further stated: “Investigations revealed a dispute among relatives and gunfire resulting in the injury of one individual who was transported to the hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.”
The statement continued: “An immediate investigation team was formed, the area was searched, information was gathered, the incident was investigated, and one suspect was apprehended.”
According to the source, “The suspect confessed to committing the murder. The second suspect was located through intelligence efforts, diligent work, and pinpointing his location, leading to his arrest.”
شرطة الرصافة تلقي القبض على ثلاثة اشخاص من منفذي هجوم بغداد الجديدة
🔴بالفيديو
كاميرات المراقبة CCTV توثق لحظة الهجوم المسلح بمنطقة #بغداد الجديدة pic.twitter.com/6Qpkf3WbAh
— سڪارلي 🦋💙🍀 (@Skarly_ja) February 24, 2024
Days ago, the Iraqi police announced the arrest of three individuals involved in an attack in the “New Baghdad” area, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on three individuals, resulting in the death of one and the injury of two others.