The Baghdad Operations Command was tasked Aug. 12 with protecting the Baghdad municipal team, which has been carrying out a major campaign to remove all encroachments on public property, roads and streets. These encroachments include buildings, walls and steps. 

The government’s Security Media Cell said in a press statement, “These encroachments have caused harm to citizens and impeded their movement in many vital parts in the capital, Baghdad. The campaign was launched on the directive of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.”

This campaign came a day after Kadhimi’s visit to Karbala province in support of the municipality’s campaign to remove encroachments on state-owned lands. Such abuses increased significantly due to political parties and armed groups’ support.

A few hours prior to the visit, a citizen encroaching on state-owned land was seen killing Karbala Mayor Abeer Salim al-Khafaji, who had led a campaign to remove encroachments. The killing was recorded on a video (which YouTube has removed for violating its "policy on violent or graphic content").