I have received a query from a reader asking me about the security situation in Basra. The reader is interested in learning more since he will be working there.
The security situation is not a trivial one. You will not hear explosions every second of the day. In fact, Basra witnessed less bomb attacks than Baghdad. It is not a battlefront. Is it safe? No, it is not. There are gangs and militia who will kidnap for a ransom or kill for a bargain. Who are the victims? Wealthy people, officials, professionals… etc. Anyone can become a victim and for any reason.
Given that information what can you do to be as safe and prepared as possible? I can offer you the following tips:
1- Do not ever and I mean ever adopt a routine of doing something at a certain time repeatedly. For example, do not leave every day at the same time to go to work. If you leave at 7:00 AM, leaving at 7:15AM the next day does not mean you changed the time. To truly apply this tip, leave at 7:00AM one day, the next day you should leave at 9:00AM, and the day after at 8:00AM.
2- Do not use the same road all the time. Change the route you take all the time, even if you have to spend an extra hour to get to work.
3- Do not share your intended route information with anyone. No one should know what road you will be taking and at what time.
4- Back roads are often safer.
5- Do not show any sign of wealth or prestige, otherwise you will be targeted.
6- Try to blend in. The best thing to do is to try to look like an average person who lives in Basra rather than a foreigner.
7- Finally, security is about things you do every day not the things you don’t do. Do not put yourself at higher risk.
I hope I answered your question and I wish you a safe and a successful trip.
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