Sadr’s supporters storm Iraq’s government buildings. Take a look!
Sadr’s exit
Sadr, a grey-bearded cleric who formerly led a militia against the US and Iraqi governments, announced his exit on Twitter. A move he claims to be a response to other Shi’ite leaders and parties’ failure to change the corrupt and failing political system.
However, the leader later said that he will stage a hunger strike in opposition to the use of weapons during the clash.
A new round of bloodshed
In the most recent round of clashes, security officials claimed that although Iran-aligned militias were likely to be involved, some of the skirmishes were between militants from Sadr’s Peace Brigades and members of the Iraqi security forces responsible for guarding the Green Zone.
Frolicking in the pool
Sadr’s supporters barged into the presidential palace in Baghdad, where cabinet meetings are typically held.
Protesters barged in to the buildings. They sat on armchairs in the conference room, waved Iraqi flags, snapped selfies, and some cooled off in the swimming pool in the yard.
Supporters pose for picture
Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr pose for a picture on a road blocked with burning tyres during a demonstration in Iraq's southern city of Basra, AFP reported.
Nationwide curfew imposed
After the clashes got severe, the Iraqi army imposed a nationwide curfew and urged the Sadrists to leave the Green Zone and palace.
People concerned
Many Iraqis are concerned that the actions taken by each Shi’ite faction could spark new civil unrest every time.
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