Ministry clarifies on clashes in villages

Interior Ministry yesterday clarified that the clashes in several villages in the Northern Governorate on Tuesday were nothing to do with the ongoing commemorations of Muharram month. “Clashes erupted between security forces and a number of lawbreakers, who attacked police with Molotov cocktails and locally made guns,” the Ministry explained, and reaffirmed the commitment of police to enforce the law and protect security.

Chief of Public Security Major General Tariq Al Hassan said that “within the framework of the law, Ashura rituals are being marshaled to ensure they are not exploited or used for political purposes.” “Interior Ministry values all religious occasions, including Ashura,” he added.