Iraq: Gunfire, clashes reported in Baghdad's Green Zone late Aug. 29 /update 2

Event

The security situation in Baghdad remains extremely tense and volatile amid reports of gunfire, clashes, and projectile fire late Aug. 29. Militias loyal to prominent Shi'a cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have reportedly clashed with Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs) in the Green Zone. Over a dozen supporters of al-Sadr were allegedly killed and some 160 others were wounded after they stormed the Presidential Palace in the Green Zone late Aug. 29. Security forces have closed several roads leading to Baghdad to prevent al-Sadr's supporters in southern governorates from traveling to the capital. Authorities imposed a curfew across Baghdad Aug. 29.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that several international organizations have evacuated their personnel from Baghdad amid concerns over protracted clashes and heightened tensions between rival militias and political factions. US officials denied reports that personnel were evacuated from the US Embassy amid the clashes. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti and Iranian governments have advised their citizens to not travel to Iraq. In addition, the Iranian government has closed all of its land borders with Iraq, and Tehran International Airport (IKA) has suspended flights to Baghdad until further notice.

The latest demonstrations appear to have been prompted by al-Sadr's Aug. 29 announcement that he would permanently withdraw from politics and close all Sadrist offices in the country. Al-Sadr's supporters have been organizing sit-ins in the country's parliament since late July, demanding the dissolution of parliament and new elections.

Iraqi authorities will likely maintain an increased security presence across Baghdad, particularly in the Green Zone, through at least early September. Protesters stormed the parliament building July 27 and the Presidential Palace Aug. 29; further similar actions targeting government institutions remain possible. Counterprotests by supporters of political parties opposed to al-Sadr also remain likely. Given the heightened tensions and political volatility of the situation, businesses and government offices will probably remain closed over the coming days.

Significant transport and business disruptions remain likely near protest activity. Security forces will likely deploy water cannons, tear gas, and other crowd-control measures to disperse protesters. Clashes cannot be ruled out, particularly if activists become overly disruptive or refuse to heed security forces' orders.

Context

The initial trigger for the mass mobilizations, which began July 27, was the nomination of Mohammad Shia al-Sudani for the position of prime minister. Al-Sudani had been nominated by the Coordination Framework Coalition (CFA), a group primarily aligned with Iran.

Iraq's political impasse in the parliament will likely continue, impeding the formation of a government. The parliament has yet to create a national majority government even though federal elections were held in October 2021. Despite the Sadrist Movement's winning the highest number of seats in the 329-member parliament, it failed to form a government because of fierce opposition from the Iranian-aligned parties. This failure prompted al-Sadr to call on his bloc to resign in June.

Advice

Exercise heightened personal vigilance until the situation in Baghdad stabilizes; keep away from areas affected by recent protests and clashes. Refrain from nonessential travel and avoid areas where police or other security forces appear to be deploying.