Iraq on edge after nearly thirty killed in political violence

Violence has killed at least twenty-five people and injured 380 others amid local and international calls for calm and a return to dialogue. Supporters of the Sadrist movement and other militant factions continued to clash with security forces at government buildings in Baghdad’s Green Zone. They used various weapons, including RPG launchers as authorities intensified measures to control the situation. Violence has killed at least twenty-five people and injured 380 others amid local and international calls for calm and a return to dialogue. Yesterday, authorities imposed a curfew after Al-Sadr supporters stormed several government institutions, including the Republican Palace, hours after he announced his retirement from political life. In an interview with A24, political analyst Suhad Al-Shammari said that al-Sadr retired after losing hope in his project to to form a majority government, dissolve parliament and hold early elections. Demonstrators interviewed by A24 expressed their shock at the violence they experienced during what they called peaceful protests. Shells hit Several targets in the Green Zone, including the house of former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who reportedly left his home yesterday by helicopter. Security Sources also reported that most officials and politicians left the Green Zone, including presidents, government, and parliament. Eyestwinttes reported seeing reconnaissance planes and intensive reinforcements at the American and British embassies and the European Union mission.