On Sunday, a large group of Iraqi demonstrators gathered near Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, attempting to breach the security perimeter surrounding the US embassy. This surge of unrest followed the recent passing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, sparking heightened emotions and political tensions across the region. The Green Zone, known for housing key government buildings and foreign embassies, including that of the United States, became the focal point of the protestors’ anger.
Despite repeated efforts to force their way inside, security personnel successfully repelled the crowd’s advances. Witnesses described how some protesters, waving flags affiliated with pro-Iranian militias, hurled stones at the security forces. In response, the authorities deployed tear gas to disperse the increasingly aggressive demonstrators. This confrontation underscored the volatile atmosphere gripping Baghdad, where security forces remain on high alert to prevent any breach of this sensitive area.
Meanwhile, unrest was not confined to the capital alone. Reports emerged of similar demonstrations erupting in several southern provinces, areas known for their strong support of Iran-backed groups. These protests reflect the broader regional impact of Khamenei’s death, as various factions within Iraq express solidarity with Tehran and signal their readiness to take action.
In a significant development, multiple Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq declared they would abandon any stance of neutrality and actively defend the Islamic Republic. Among them, Kataeb Hezbollah, a powerful militia, vowed to retaliate against US military installations following the recent killing of two of its fighters in airstrikes targeting southern Iraq. This declaration marks a clear escalation in hostilities and raises concerns about further violence in the coming days.
Early Sunday morning, residents near Erbil airport, located in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, reported hearing a series of loud explosions. The airport serves as a base for US-led coalition forces, making it a strategic target amid rising tensions. Observers noted thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the vicinity, signaling damage caused by the blasts. Shortly thereafter, a small pro-Iran militia claimed responsibility for launching drone attacks against US troops stationed at the airport.
These attacks followed a similar incident on Saturday, when coalition forces intercepted and destroyed several missiles and explosive-laden drones aimed at Erbil. Local officials confirmed the successful defense against these aerial threats, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by foreign forces operating in Iraq. The recent surge in violence underscores the fragile security situation and the potential for further escalation as regional dynamics shift in the wake of Iran’s leadership change.
