Iraqi cleric urges supporters to leave Baghdad’s Green Zone after violence

By Mahmoud Barakat

ANKARA (AA) – Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Tuesday called on his supporters to leave Baghdad’s Green Zone and apologized to the Iraqis after violence in the capital.

“I apologize to the Iraqi people who are greatly affected by what is happening and criticize the revolution of the Sadrist movement and call for withdrawal from the Green Zone,” al-Sadr told a press conference.

Immediately after his call, al-Sadr’s supporters began to withdraw from the fortified Green Zone.

Iraqi authorities on Monday declared a nationwide curfew after al-Sadr loyalists stormed the Republican Palace where the government is seated in Baghdad.

The situation escalated shortly after al-Sadr said he was stepping down from politics amid a months-long political crisis in Iraq.

At least 13 protesters were killed on Monday and hundreds injured in Iraq, according to local media.

Intra-Shia disputes have prevented the formation of a new government in Iraq since the last elections on Oct. 10, 2021.