Green Zone under fire as Sadr quits politics

There have been reports of clashes between Iraqi security forces and followers of Muqtada Sadr in Baghdad. The security situation in the city is tense and volatile, and we urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that could further escalate the situation. We extend our condolences to the families of those who have been killed in the violence.

1. Who is Muqtada Sadr?

Shelling in Baghdad’s Green Zone has killed at least four people and wounded dozens more, amid a period of deadly chaos following the resignation of Muqtada Sadr from politics.

Muqtada Sadr is an Iraqi Shia cleric who leads the Sadrist Movement, a political party with a strong military wing known as the Peace Companies. He is a controversial figure, having been accused of involvement in the 2003 assassination of Iraqi Shia leader Abdul-Majid al-Khoei.

Sadr’s resignation from politics came as a surprise to many, and has plunged Iraq into a period of uncertainty.

2. What is the Green Zone?

The Green Zone is a heavily fortified area in Baghdad that serves as the seat of the Iraqi government. The area is often the target of attacks by insurgents, as it is seen as a symbol of the government’s power. The most recent attack took place on April 30, when a suicide bomber detonated a car bomb outside the Green Zone, killing at least four people and wounding dozens more. The attack came just days after Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced he was quitting politics, a move that could potentially destabilize the country.

3. Why did Sadr’s supporters open fire on the Green Zone?

When Sadr announced his withdrawal from politics, his supporters were angered by what they saw as a betrayal. They responded by firing on the Green Zone, which is home to many of Iraq’s government buildings and foreign embassies. The Green Zone has long been a symbol of the government’s power and authority, and attacking it was a way for Sadr’s supporters to express their frustration and dissatisfaction.

4. How many people were killed?

According to the latest reports, at least four people have been killed and dozens more wounded in a series of shelling attacks targeting Baghdad’s Green Zone. The attacks come after Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr announced his withdrawal from politics, adding to the already-high tensions in Iraq.

The Green Zone is a highly-fortified area in the center of Baghdad that houses the Iraqi government’s main offices, as well as the U.S. Embassy and other foreign missions. It has been the target of frequent attacks by militants over the years, but the latest spate of violence is particularly worrisome given the current political climate in Iraq.

Quick Summary

The situation in Baghdad remains unstable, with reports of more violence and death. Muqtada al-Sadr has called on his supporters to leave the Green Zone, and it is unclear what will happen next.