Iraq: Protests continue in Baghdad November 4 /update 37

Event

Protesters are gathering in New Baghdad and Sadr City districts in Baghdad as of 09:00 (local time) on Monday, November 4, according to local sources. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the two districts will be "locked down". The main checkpoint, Al-She'Oun, into northern Baghdad on Route Tampa North remains closed on Monday morning.

On Saturday, November 2, the Baghdad Operations Commander announced a reduced a curfew: from 02:00 to 06:00, effective immediately. Demonstrations continued across Iraq on Sunday, November 3, leading to the deaths of several protesters and the injury of dozens more. Activists erected road blocks and renewed calls for civil disobedience across the country. In the evening of Sunday in Karbala, activists set fire to the perimeter of the Iranian consulate leading to the deaths of four people, according to local sources.

Heightened security measures and disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected in major urban centers over the coming days as protests and the nightly curfew continue. Disruptions to internet and telecommunications services are possible amid the unrest. Clashes between protesters and security forces are likely around protest sites.

Context

Demonstrations broke out 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. At least 250 people have been killed and 10,000 wounded since protests began. On October 31, President Barham Saleh announced that Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi agreed to resign if the Iraqi parliament's party blocs can agree on a replacement.

Advice

Individuals in Baghdad and across 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.