This is an entry from: LIVE: Tense calm returns to Baghdad after sit-ins cleared
Iraq clashes: What we know so far
29 August 2022 23:12 BST
On Monday morning Muqtada al-Sadr announced his resignation from politics, and since then his supporters have demonstrated wildly in Baghdad and across Iraq’s southern provinces.
Since then, supporters of Sadr’s opponents, the Coordination Framework alliance of Iran-backed Shia parties, have reportedly confronted the Sadrists with violent results. Here’s what we know so far:
- Medical sources told AFP 15 people had been killed, all Sadrists. Other agencies have put the toll lower.
- At least seven shells have fallen on Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone. It is unclear who fired them.
- Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has ordered the security forces not to fire live rounds at protesters.
- Sadrists briefly occupied government buildings in the Green Zone, though were cleared by security forces.
- Sadr said he has gone on hunger strike until calm is restored.
- Offices belonging to Sadr’s movement and Iran-backed factions have been attacked across Iraq.
- Gunfire and explosions can be heard continuously in Baghdad.
- A countrywide curfew is being enforced.
