Iraq: Violent clashes leave two dead, 25 wounded in Baghdad January 24 /update 103

Event

Two protesters were killed and 25 others were wounded in clashes with police in Baghdad on Friday, January 24. Police reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse a protest at Mohammad al-Qasim expressway early on Friday evening (local time).

Thousands of people took to the streets in Baghdad earlier on Friday for a "million-strong" march, demanding the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. The demonstration reportedly went off without incident, amid a heightened security presence.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions are to be anticipated around all protest sites. Further demonstrations and subsequent clashes between protesters and security forces are expected over the near term. 

Context

Tensions have increased in Iraq after the US killed Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport (BGW) in an airstrike on January 3. Notably, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), was also killed in the strike.

Demonstrations broke out in Iraq 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. An estimated 669 people have been killed and some 24,488 people have been wounded since protests began. December 22 was the deadline set by President Barham Salih for Parliament to decide on a prime minister to replace PM Adel Abdul Mahdi.

Advice

Individuals in 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.