[63234] Security tensions on the Iraq-Saudi border and political protests in the Middle East

Security tensions and regional protests

In a significant security operation, forces of the Hashd al-Shaabi (the pro-Iranian Shiite militias in Iraq) have begun taking "unprecedented security measures" in the Arar border crossing area between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. According to a report by the Iranian news agency IRNA, the forces are engaged in clearing desert areas of remnants of terrorist elements and unexploded ordnance, with the goal, according to them, of preventing security breaches.

Simultaneously, the IRNA agency reported a wave of protests in Bahrain against the rule of the Al-Khalifa royal family. The demonstrators are protesting against the "arrest of Shiite clerics" and claim that the government is acting systematically against the country's Shiite community.

In the North African arena, IRNA agency noted that hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of the capital, Tunis, to protest against President Kais Saied. The protesters claim that the government has failed to manage the economic crisis and is using police and judicial mechanisms to "suppress critics and the free press."

It is worth noting that the cited sources, the 'IRNA' agency and the 'SNN' network, are clearly identified with the positions of the government in Iran, which emphasize reports on the weakness of regional regimes that are in strained relations with Tehran or its allies.