Shia groups are clashing in Iraqi capital and across country after struggle for power spilled to streets
and Iran-aligned groups in the heart of the green zone, an ultra-secure area home to embassies and government institutions.The clashes roused memories of the deadly chaos that engulfed Baghdad’s streets in the wake of the 2003 invasion, stoking fears of renewed violence. “You immediately think back to 2004,” Saadi said. “There is no security, there is no protection, there is no state.
Mass protests erupted in 2019, calling for an overhaul of the political system. In response, the government held early elections in October last year. But rather than paving the way for change, the vote brought a new crisis. The clashes began moments after Sadr announced his withdrawal from politics on Monday, effectively giving his supportersto vent their anger. Sadr’s devout base consists of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who hail from the poorest segments of society, but he also commands a militia called Saraya al-Salam. On the opposing side are powerful armed wings of Iran-aligned parties, most notably Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq.
There was an eerie routine to the chaos. Neighbourhoods had been sealed off with concrete barriers to enforce the curfew, with bored soldiers checking ID cards to make sure only residents were allowed through. Streets that would usually be clogged with traffic were nearly empty, except for vehicles ferrying young men to the frontlines.
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