Error occured during this request! Please try again later.
Iraq
A protester stands flashing the victory gesture in Tahrir Square on February 7, 2020. Photo: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region –The US Embassy in Baghdad warned citizens on Monday to avoid locations in Baghdad and Najaf provinces ahead of further protests this week.
Intensive demonstrations are expected in the next few days, prompting the embassy to release a demonstration alert to its citizens.
“According to reports, large-scale demonstrations, events, and processions are expected to take place in Baghdad February 11-13, as well as in Najaf on February 14,” the statement read.
“As with prior demonstrations, road closures, including in the Baghdad International Zone and in the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport, may occur. Public consular operations in Baghdad remain suspended. US citizens should not approach the Embassy," it added.
The embassy was previously stormed by supporters of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi in Arabic) on December 31. This move was a response by the Iranian backed militias after the US conducted airstrikes targeted five locations belonging to Kataib Hezbollah December 29, killing at least 25 militiamen.
All public consular operations were suspended the following day.
The embassy, in Baghdad’s Green Zone, has been targeted by multiple rocket attacks in recent months.
US-Iran tensions have soared since the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad on Janaury 3, carried out by the Americans.
A spate of rocket attacks on Iraqi bases followed the killing, leading to a call for US troops to withdraw from Iraq.
Foreign influence in Iraq- including from Tehran- has been a key rallying point for protesters on the since October 1.
What began as a movement for improved public services has now developed into demands for a complete overthrow of the political system, including an end to foreign interference in the country.
More than 600 protesters and members of the security forces have been killed and around 18,000 more wounded since October 1.
Comments
Rudaw moderates all comments submitted on our website. We welcome comments which are relevant to the article and encourage further discussion about the issues that matter to you. We also welcome constructive criticism about Rudaw.
To be approved for publication, however, your comments must meet our community guidelines.
We will not tolerate the following: profanity, threats, personal attacks, vulgarity, abuse (such as sexism, racism, homophobia or xenophobia), or commercial or personal promotion.
Comments that do not meet our guidelines will be rejected. Comments are not edited – they are either approved or rejected.
Post a comment