BREAKING: 12 protesters allegedly shot dead as violence escalates in Baghdad’s Green Zone in Iraq

Violence has escalated dramatically in Baghdad’s Green Zone with reports of 12 protestors being shot dead.

The violence in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone in Iraq has escalated significantly throughout today, Monday, August 29, according to local reports on social media. It is now believed that 12 protestors were shot dead this evening as pro-government groups battled with protestors.

Iraqi Security forces appear to be finding it increasingly more difficult to control the situation, with video footage showing the arrival of huge convoys of armed men, said to be supporters of Iraq’s powerful Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr. 

Trouble erupted early today following an announcement by Muqtada al-Sadr that he was withdrawing from political life. Supporters stormed the Republican Palace with security forces attempting to repel them by firing live ammunition and tear gas.

Dozens of supporters of Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Monday stormed the Republican Palace, a ceremonial building inside Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone of government buildings,#Iraqi #العراق pic.twitter.com/e6GoUiq0Io

— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) August 29, 2022

According to CNN, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi issued an official statement suspending all meetings of his government until further notice. He reportedly urged al-Sadr to: “help call on the demonstrators to withdraw from government institutions”. A curfew has been declared in all provinces of Baghdad from 7pm local time.

“The difficult circumstance that our country is going through requires everyone to abide by calm, restraint, prevent escalation, and ensure that the situation does not slip into unknown and dangerous labyrinths in which everyone will lose”, read a statement from Barham Salih, the Iraqi president, as quoted by CNN.

“The security forces affirm their responsibility to protect government institutions, international missions, and public and private properties”, said a statement from the Iraqi military. “Dealing with peaceful demonstrations is done through the constitution and laws, and the security forces will do their duty to protect security and stability”, it added.

Another report claimed that the offices of Iran-backed militant groups like Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Hashd al-Shaabi have been attacked in Baghdad and Basra. Further reports claimed similar attacks had been carried out in Basra against the Sadr-linked Saraya al-Salam group.

#BREAKING A war has broken out in Baghdad’s Green Zone, and protesters are coming under heavy gunfire, informed sources told @IranIntl_En correspondent @truskesadeghi. https://t.co/b6xrzQxqk5

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) August 29, 2022

US Embassy officials have reportedly been evacuated along with UN officials, with one video showing a line of vehicles leaving the building. Unconfirmed reports claimed that Nouri al-Maliki, the former Prime Minister of Iraq, had been evacuated to safety.

BREAKING 🇮🇶 : Former Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki is believed to have been evacuated from Baghdad's Green Zone – Osintv

#Baghdad #Iraq pic.twitter.com/xPzdUOiC9t

— Zaid Ahmd  (@realzaidzayn) August 29, 2022

🇮🇶 Reportedly footage of #UN employees or #US embassy staff leaving #Baghdad's Green Zone. pic.twitter.com/piigmQQa4v

— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) August 29, 2022

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