28 Dec 2023 | 05:13 PM UTC
Iraq: Demonstrations marking Major General Qassem Soleimani's death likely in Baghdad through mid-January
Rallies marking Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani's death likely in Baghdad, Iraq, through mid-January. Increased security likely.
Demonstrations and major political rallies marking the fourth anniversary of the deaths of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani and prominent Iraqi Shi'a militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis are likely in Baghdad through mid-January. The US government killed Soleimani and al-Muhandis in a drone strike near Baghdad International Airport (BGW) on Jan. 3, 2020.
Thousands of people have previously participated in related protests and memorial rallies in Baghdad. Any further protests that materialize will likely be organized by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and take on an anti-US tone, and protesters will almost certainly demand the US withdrawal from Iraq.
Likely protest locations include the International (Green) Zone, public squares, government buildings, and foreign diplomatic missions, among other prominent demonstration sites. Vigils and rallies are also possible near the location of the 2020 drone strike, which may cause road closures and transport and business disruptions. Iraqi security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor all rallies and protests. Clashes are possible; security forces may respond to protest violence with rubber bullets, tear gas, and live rounds.
Avoid all demonstrations due to possible clashes. Exercise caution near gatherings. Immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernment building if violence erupts. Monitor local media for details concerning protest activity as demonstration organizers may announce protests on short notice. Plan for increased security and localized disruptions near demonstrations. Confirm the availability of transportation; allow additional time to reach destinations. Follow all instructions issued by local authorities. Do not attempt to photograph or otherwise record demonstrations. Always carry proper identification; be polite and nonconfrontational if stopped at a security checkpoint or questioned by police.
Soleimani was the commander of the Quds Force, which is the external wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that focuses on special and clandestine operations outside Iran. He was the main architect of Iran's military adventures and played a pivotal role in the country's activities in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. The US government justified the killing of Soleimani on the grounds that he was planning further attacks on American assets in Iraq and in the wider region.
