Iraq: Protests against US-led bombing of Syria in several cities April 15

Event

Protests against the recent American-British-French strikes in Syria took place in several Iraqi cities on Sunday, April 15. The demonstrations, called for by influential Shi'a religious leader Muqtada al-Sadr, took place in Baghdad, Najaf, Basra, and Baquba. Notably, some 500 al-Sadr supporters reportedly demonstrated in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Sunday evening (local time), prompting a heightened security presence and traffic restrictions; all protests generally remained peaceful.

Additional related protests are possible in the abovementioned cities and elsewhere in Iraq in the coming days.

Context

The United States, United Kingdom, and France launched joint strikes targeting the Syrian regime in the early hours of April 14, in response to the alleged chemical attack carried out by the Syrian government in Douma on April 7. The suspected chemical attack killed at least 70 and wounded hundreds more. Syria and Russia have denied that chemical weapons were used.

Al-Sadr likely initiated the rallies as a display of support for the Sadrist Movement, of which he is the leader, ahead of the May elections; it is unlikely that Sunday's protests will herald a broader Sadrist campaign against US intervention in Syria.

Advice

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.