Missan governorate is located in southeast Iraq and borders Wassit, Basrah and Dhi Qar governorates, and Iran to the east. The governorate is divided in into six districts: Ali Al-Gharbi, Al-Mejar Al-Kabir, Al-Maimouna, Al-Kahla, Amarah and Qal’at Saleh. The capital is Amarah. The governorate has an estimated population of 1 141 966, with the majority being Shia Arabs.

Missan governorate is under the control of ISF. Presence of PMU was also confirmed. Whilst southern Iraq is reported to be ‘more secure’ than other parts of the country, problems of criminality, drug abuse, and violence between Shia armed groups involved in militia and tribal groups occur. Local sources suggest that intra-Shia violence predominantly affects those who are actively involved in a militia or tribal group. In 2019 and 2020, mass protests erupted in Iraq’s southern governorates, during which excessive use of force by ISF and PMU was reported, causing numerous deaths and injuries. Eruption of explosive devices was also reported.

ACLED reported a total of 47 security incidents (average of 0.6 security incidents per week) in Missan governorate in the reference period, the majority of which coded as riots and violence against civilians. Battles, explosions/remote violence and violence against civilians were also reported in this period. Security incidents occurred in most districts within the governorate. UNAMI recorded no armed conflict related incidents in 2019; 1 armed conflict related incident was recorded from 1st January until 31st July 2020.

In the reference period, UNAMI recorded no civilian casualties in the aforementioned armed conflict related incident.