BAGHDAD — Videos posted to YouTube of fighting in the city of Basra by proud young men look like scenes from an American action movie. The fighters are seen firing into the sky as they warn each other of shots coming from opposing forces.

Iraq is bursting at the seams with weapons, and tribesmen are both users and fodder. The same situation prevailed under Ottoman rule and in the early days of the monarchy. The Iraqi state curbed the tribes' influence, which experienced a strong resurgence in the years that followed the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. When the state collapsed, security forces grew weaker and the new authorities were unable to restrict the use of arms, and the tribes grew to become forces to be reckoned with.

During the inaugural conference of the Council of Tribes and Social Components of Basra Province held in Basra on Jan. 12, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi stated, “There can be no development, services or prosperity in Basra and other governorates if security is lost.” His statement was a response to the tribal disputes that had spread throughout Basra and other governorates, such as Dhi Qar and Baghdad.

Abadi addressed tribal elders who gathered around him at the conference, saying, “Tribal fighting is unacceptable, and a small minority must not be allowed to destroy the social fabric of Basra. Basra’s security is tightly linked to the security of all of Iraq. Unfortunately, as we triumphed over the Islamic State’s terrorist gangs, some have instigated disputes and conflicts that have led to security breaches.”