Iraq’s southern Maysan Governorate has recently been rocked by a string of assassinations. The killings are part of a broader dispute among Shiite groups competing for power. The Sadrist Movement and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq are on opposing sides in a battle over the shape of the next Iraqi government. The outcome of this contest may shape the political trajectory of Iraq for years to come.

Located on the border with Iran, Maysan is a major stronghold of the Sadrist Movement, which emerged as the single largest parliamentary bloc in the Oct. 2021 elections.

The current cycle of violence began on Feb. 3, with the assassination of Interior Ministry officer Hossam Al-Alyawi...