ACLED Regional Overview – Middle East (22-28 May 2021)
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Last week in the Middle East, the overall level of violence remained low in Yemen, although a slight increase in fighting was reported in Al Jawf, Hodeidah, and Marib. Meanwhile, demonstrations broke out in Syria, mainly in Dar’a province, against the Syrian presidential elections. Anti-government demonstrations were also staged in Iraq. These demonstrations turned violent after a group of demonstrators set fire to police caravans and vehicles, with police responding in turn by using live ammunition. The ceasfire beween Israel and Palestinian armed groups continues to hold, while demonstrations also decreased in the West Bank. Elsewhere, mass demonstrations over unemployment were held in Oman, while oil and gas industry workers protested in Iran’s southern provinces.
Despite conflicting reports about the release of a prominent leader in the Popular Mobilisation Forces Qassem Musleh attention has turned to the weapons held by the Shia militias that make up the PMF.