US: Opposition activists schedule protests in Washington, DC January 6-19 /update 1

Event

Opposition activists have called for protests in Washington, DC, on Monday, January 6, through to at least Sunday, January 19, following a US drone strike killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport (BGW) on Friday, January 3. Participants plan to gather at the Senate at 12:00 (local time), when Congress convenes, to demand the conviction and removal of President Donald Trump. Organizers have said that they will protest at the same time and location every day until January 19 at least, or until their demands are met. 

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected in the capital in the coming days. Similar demonstrations are possible nationwide over the coming days and weeks. 

Context

The US Department of Defense released a statement on January 3 claiming responsibility for an airstrike targeting and killing Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, near BGW the same day. According to the statement, Soleimani was "actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region." Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), was also killed in the strike along with six other individuals. The situation remains fluid.

Advice

Individuals in Washington, DC, are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, prepare for resultant disruptions to transportation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.