Armed conflict breaks out between two Iraqi clans over a cow

An armed clash, where heavy weapons were used, erupted on Saturday between two clans in southern Iraq over possession of a cow.

Local media outlets reported that an armed clash broke out on Saturday in the southern Iraqi governorate of Maysan, according to a security source.

The security source explained that the confrontation erupted between two tribes in the Al-Khisat area, with heavy weapons used.

A rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) has been used in the tribal conflict, which continued until Sunday, according to the source.

Security forces have cordoned off the site of the conflict, but storming it continues to be a difficult mission.

The conflict has resulted in the injuries of at least two people so far.

The government in Iraq is attempting to control unlicensed weapons, which are widespread in the country.

Informal projections claim that Iraqis own around 15 million firearms that vary from light to heavy, which explains their frequent usage.

In 2019, Iraq had the highest rate of violent gun fatalities per capita in the Middle East and North Africa, surpassing even that of the United States, according to the University of Washington.

The Iraqi government recently opened registration offices in Baghdad and the rest of the Iraqi governorates to allow citizens to register their unlicensed firearms.

Additionally, the government closed more than 400 unlicensed firearm shops throughout Iraq.