Ali Turki al-Jamali, governor of Babil Province, submitted his resignation on Tuesday after armed men allegedly blocked the implementation of a major bridge project and reportedly pointed weapons at local officials during a confrontation at the construction site.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s office, the armed group prevented work on the Jinsiya Bridge project and challenged the authority of the provincial administration. The statement stressed that “no authority stands above the authority of the law,” adding that legal procedures had been launched against those involved in the incident.

Videos shared by Jamali’s office appeared to show armed men carrying light and medium weapons, including RPG launchers, confronting the governor and members of his staff at the project location.

Following the incident, the Babil Provincial Council convened an emergency session to discuss the governor’s resignation. The council unanimously rejected the resignation request and instead announced the suspension of its activities for 72 hours in solidarity with Jamali.

Governor Jamali is affiliated with the Sadiqoun Movement, the political wing of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq led by Qais al-Khazali.