Iraq: Violent clashes as nationwide protests continue January 21 /update 100

Event

Violent clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported amid ongoing protests in Baghdad, Basra, Karbala, and Najaf, on Tuesday, January 21. Security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters, who were throwing stones and petrol bombs at police. Protesters have also reportedly erected barricades across main roadways in an attempt to block normal trade across Baghdad and southern Iraq.

Protests are centered around Tayeran square in Baghdad, where a protester was killed after being struck in the head by a tear gas canister on Tuesday. Another demonstrator died on Tuesday after being wounded in clashes with police in Baqubah on Monday, January 20.

Further political demonstrations are to be expected across Iraq over the near term as the government seeks to appoint a prime minister. Muqtada al-Sadr and members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) had previously called for mass demonstrations in Baghdad and other cities across Iraq on Friday, January 24, to begin at 09:00 in the capital. However, it remains unclear if the protest will go ahead as planned.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions are to be anticipated around all protest sites. There is a risk that the demonstrations will escalate, and clashes between protesters and security forces are likely. Should these protests go ahead, local sources advise that all non-critical missions are delayed until a clearer picture of the formation and conduct of the demonstrations becomes apparent.

Context

Tensions have increased in Iraq after the US killed Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport (BGW) in an airstrike on January 3. Notably, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), was also killed in the strike.

Demonstrations broke out in Iraq on October 1 to protest perceived government corruption, inadequate provision of public services, and a lack of job opportunities. Following weeks of relative calm, demonstrations violently resumed on October 24-25, coinciding with the deadline issued by Grand Ayatollah Sistani to the government to produce a report on who in the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) was responsible for firing at civilians during previous demonstrations. An estimated 669 people have been killed and some 24,488 people have been wounded since protests began. December 22 was the deadline set by President Barham Salih for Parliament to decide on a prime minister to replace PM Adel Abdul Mahdi.

Advice

Individuals in Iraq are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings due to potential violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business in areas affected by anti-government demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

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.