 After Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced his resignation from Iraqi politics, hundreds of angry followers stormed the government palace in Bagdad. The angry mobs clashed with the security forces, where 15 people died.
After the clashes broke, Iraq’s military announced a curfew nationwide. The Caretaker suspended cabinet sessions in response to the violence. According to official reports, one soldier from the special forces was killed. In addition, the soldier was responsible for the security in the Green Zone.
Green Zone houses several government buildings and foreign embassies. The riot of Monday was the first to be observed in many years in the capital. In addition, gunfires were also reported in the Green Zone. The gun firing injured hundreds and killed 15 people.
In addition, security officials said mortars and rocket-propelled grenades were also used. Machine guns echoed across Bagdad’s centre.
Protesters breached palace gates and rushed into the palace.
The protestors who support Muqtada al-Sadr breached the palace gates by pulling down cement barriers with ropes outside the government palace. In addition, according to reports, the mob rushed into the palace halls where key meetings occur for the Iraqi head of state and foreign dignitaries.
As the news of the protests broke internationally, several countries have expressed concern over the events and their further escalation. According to reports, Iranian officials have cancelled all flights to Iraq and advised its citizens to avoid travelling amid the violence. Furthermore, the Kuwait embassy in Iraq has asked its citizens to leave the country.Â
Owing to the curfew imposed by the Iraq military, the cabinet shut its government offices. Furthermore, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has directed official working hours will be off on Tuesday.
Iraqi Al Sadr goes on a hunger strike until the violence stops.
In October, the Al Sadr party won an enormous share of seats. However, it wasn’t enough to secure a majority government. Al-Sadr refused to negotiate with Shiite rivals backed by Iran. In addition, the country moved into volatility and intensifying intra-Shiite wrangling.
Al-Sadr has gone on a hunger strike until the use of force stops against his followers.
