At least 28 people died inside Baghdadcapital city Iraq following a wave of violence that began Monday after the leader of the Shiite community, Muqtada al-Sadr, announced his withdrawal. Iranianand the winner of the previous two elections in Iraq.
The opponents of this cleric were united in both cases. prevent a possible government Al Sadr formation. Among those who criticize this man People’s Mobilization Forces (FMP)Shiite militias backed by Iran.
This Monday morning, Al Sadr supporters launched several protests outside the FMP headquarters, despite the government’s request not to shoot at the demonstrators. real fire Chaos ensued: armed groups took to the streets following the cleric. The struggle started with machine guns, rocket launchers, mortars and armored SUVs. Street-to-street fighting intensified Green area neighborhood of the city, government buildings and foreign embassies. Al Sadr supporters stormed the Parliament and the Government Palace.
At dawn—and this Tuesday—the fighting continued. With the exception of 28 deaths, which could be much more, almost 400 injured. “We are renewing ours calm down We ask the protesters to immediately withdraw from the Green Zone and follow the government’s instructions. Security forces “To protect the official institutions and the lives of the citizens of this country,” the Iraqi Prime Minister said on Tuesday morning. Mustafa al-Kadhimigovernment made a decision on Monday afternoon curfew Full until further notice.
Despite the call, the war continues: the official Iraqi government, Shiite militias It is ruled by Iran, which has established a parallel state in Iraq, blackmailed, collected taxes and ruled the country at will.
Hunger strike
Al Sadr announced this Tuesday morning that he has started a war. hunger strike to try to stop the situation. “Eliminating the corrupt does not justify violence,” said the cleric, who resigned from politics soon after the Ayatollah. Sayyid Kadhim al-Haeri He openly said that Al Sadr does not fall into the category of leader and therefore cannot be considered as such. “All believers must obey His Excellency, the leader of the Islamic revolution in Iran. Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali KhameneiMay his shadow be long, for he is best suited to lead the nation. [de Irak]Al-Haeri said on Monday.
will have to go to Iraq new parliamentary elections In the coming months traded in the previous month. Al Sadr’s party that won the last two elections was not participating in the talks: in fact, all parliamentarians they resigned last month For the blockade of parties linked to pro-Iranian militias to a government led by the Al Sadr movement.
Last week, the cleric’s supporters stormed the Iraqi courthouse and brought the negotiations to a standstill. It is unclear whether it is now after Monday and Tuesday’s battle. speeches they can continue.
Meanwhile, thousands of people are fleeing southern Iraq after the fighting. northInto areas that are currently quiet due to the diminishing presence of Shiite citizens and armed militias. Iraq’s borders with Iran were closed and most of flights went to Baghdad It is cancelled Fear of conflict and explosion Airport From the capital.