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  Iraq Green Zone breach may bring on more violence

Iraq Green Zone breach may bring on more violence

AFP/REUTERS
Published : May 22, 2016, 11:52 pm IST
Updated : May 22, 2016, 11:52 pm IST

The latest breach of Baghdad’s Green Zone by angry protesters may set the stage for further violence between demonstrators and security forces, as well as sharpening political divisions in Iraq.

The latest breach of Baghdad’s Green Zone by angry protesters may set the stage for further violence between demonstrators and security forces, as well as sharpening political divisions in Iraq.

Supporters of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr broke into the Green Zone — a fortified Baghdad area that is home to Iraq’s main government institutions as well as various embassies — and stormed the Premier’s office on Friday.

Security forces used tear gas, water cannons, sound bombs and a barrage of bullets largely fired into the air to disperse the protesters. At least four protesters were killed during the clashes.

US President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Saturday, and agreed on the need for tighter security in the Green Zone.

A White House statement said they noted the need for talks so that “the Iraqi people can address this aspirations through their democratic institutions”.

Security forces had largely stood by during previous demonstrations, including when Sadr supporters broke into the Green Zone and stormed Parliament in April.

But the period of tolerance of such actions appears to be over, and that, combined with demonstrators angered by the deaths and injuries they sustained Friday, could lead to further violence between the two sides.

“The storming of government buildings in Baghdad has been controlled and directed, but rioting can also turn into unconstrained mob violence and looting,” said Kimberly Kagan of the Institute for the Study of War.

There is also the danger that rival militias, which have gained significant power during the fight against ISIS, could clash with the Sadr supporters.

“There is high risk of violence between Sadrists and rival militias” as part of their struggle for political preeminence, Ms Kagan said. “They have fought in the past... And they are at odds today,” she said.

Location: Iraq, Baghdad