Twelve people were killed in clashes between supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and Iraqi security forces in Baghdad’s so-called Green Zone. The AFP also reported that 22 people were injured.
Earlier, the Iraqi military command declared a curfew across the country from 7 pm local time.
Saraya Al-Salam convoy heading towards Green Zone. #Iraq pic.twitter.com/GiHV14i9rF
— Tammuz Intel (@Tammuz_Intel) August 29, 2022
According to AFP, those responsible for the shooting in the Green Zone were supporters of the Coordination Framework group, a pro-Iranian rival of the “Sadrists.”
Ongoing gunfire near Green Zone. #Iraq #Baghdad pic.twitter.com/xHX8K6gLkd
— Tammuz Intel (@Tammuz_Intel) August 29, 2022
#BREAKING Shells fired towards Baghdad’s Green Zone: security source pic.twitter.com/MRdhBf3NC7
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 29, 2022
After Iraq’s influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced his withdrawal from politics, hundreds of his supporters launched an attack on the Republican Palace in Baghdad. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi postponed a cabinet meeting after demonstrators stormed his headquarters. The Iraqi military imposed a citywide curfew to calm the situation and prevent possible clashes.