Friday, March 29, 2024 | 02:18 WIB

Armed clashes in Baghdad kills 17

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Jakarta, IO – Violent clashes between groups occurred in Baghdad on Monday (29/8) evening local time.

Supporters of influential Shia cleric and politician Muqtada Al Sadr and supporters of pro-Iran militias initially pelted stones at each other near the Green Zone, where government offices and foreign embassies are located.

Clashes intensified with the use of weapons. The sound of machine guns and explosions rang out, flashes of flares visible over the Green Zone. At least 17 people lost their lives and a number were injured, according to police and medics.

The incident came a day after Sadr announced his retirement from politics, a decision he said was a response to the failure of other Shia leaders and parties to reform corrupt Iraqi government.

Read: An Islamic boarding school student dies after he was ganged up by 12 fellow students

Sadr’s remarks prompted his supporters to storm the Green Zone, once a palace of dictator Saddam Hussein, and engaged in clashes with rival group. Previously, Sadr’s hardcore supporters had occupied the parliament building for weeks.

The Iraqi military imposed a countrywide curfew and called on demonstrators to leave the Green Zone. (rr)

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