In an attempt to prevent a sectarian-rooted, inter-provincial quarrel from developing further, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki ordered at least two detainees, who were arrested in connection with Monday’s Nukhaib Massacre, released immediately. He declared the argument “a small storm which is now over” and said that the prisoners were freed due to lack of evidence. However, talks over the massacre and subsequent arrests continued well into Saturday, and four detainees remain in custody.