In a dramatic escalation of unrest in Baghdad, hundreds of Iraqi protesters gathered on Sunday attempting to breach the heavily fortified Green Zone, the area housing the US embassy and other key government buildings. This surge of anger followed the recent passing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, which has deeply resonated across Iraq, where many factions maintain close ties with Tehran. The protesters, some waving flags linked to pro-Iran armed militias, confronted security personnel tasked with protecting the sensitive zone.
Security forces responded to the crowd’s aggression by deploying tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who retaliated by hurling stones. Despite repeated efforts, the protesters were unable to penetrate the Green Zone’s defenses, but their persistence underscored the volatile atmosphere gripping the capital. The unrest was not confined to Baghdad alone; reports emerged of similar protests erupting across several southern Iraqi provinces, regions known for their strong pro-Iranian sympathies.
Adding to the tension, several Iran-backed Iraqi militias declared they would abandon any stance of neutrality in the wake of Khamenei’s death. Among these groups, Kataeb Hezbollah, a powerful militia with a history of hostility toward US forces, vowed to launch attacks against American military bases in retaliation for recent airstrikes that killed two of its fighters in southern Iraq. This announcement signals a potential spike in violence and complicates the already fragile security situation in the country.
Meanwhile, in the northern autonomous Kurdistan region, the city of Erbil witnessed a series of alarming incidents early Sunday morning. Loud explosions were reported near Erbil International Airport, a strategic hub hosting US-led coalition troops. Witnesses described thick plumes of black smoke rising from the vicinity, heightening fears of a coordinated assault. Shortly after these blasts, a small pro-Iran faction claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting US personnel stationed at the airport.
These developments come on the heels of a tense Saturday, when coalition forces intercepted and destroyed several missiles and explosive-laden drones aimed at Erbil. The ongoing pattern of attacks highlights the precarious security environment in Iraq, where multiple armed groups continue to challenge the presence of foreign troops. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as regional dynamics shift in the aftermath of Iran’s leadership change.
