Iraq: Teachers plan to stage demonstrations in several urban centers across the Kurdistan region Oct. 22

Event

Teachers and education staff plan to protest at education directorates in several urban centers in the Kurdistan region, including Halabja and Sulaymaniyah, on Oct. 22 due to the perceived late payment of salaries. The amount of participants the protests may draw, as well as the start times of the protests, remains unclear.

Increased security and transport disruptions are likely near the protest sites. Localized business disruptions are possible near the protest sites. Although unlikely, isolated skirmishes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the protests. Allow for extra travel time near protest sites. Plan for localized business disruptions. If any security disturbance occurs, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a nongovernmental building. Heed instructions from authorities.