Dozens Injured in Supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr's Demonstration in Baghdad's Green Zone

Hundreds of supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, the Iraqi Shia cleric, attacked government buildings in the Green Zone, Baghdad's secure area, on Friday, resulting in dozens of injuries during clashes with security forces. Reports indicate that security forces expelled protesters from government buildings. According to Reuters, security forces fired at protesters who had stormed government buildings. Eyewitnesses reported that dozens were injured during the shooting. Thousands of al-Sadr's supporters and other Iraqi groups protesting the government's inability to combat corruption stormed the Green Zone for the second time, occupying several government buildings. Meanwhile, the Iraqi army announced it had regained control of the capital by expelling protesters from government buildings and imposed a curfew in Baghdad. However, hours later, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi lifted the curfew. The Associated Press also reported that security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters. A reporter from the agency, who witnessed the clashes, stated that security forces shot at protesters, killing at least one demonstrator who was shot in the head. In this context, eyewitnesses told the Associated Press that several people were killed during the clashes on Friday. Government officials have not yet confirmed the casualties from Friday's clashes. Last month, protesters also stormed the Green Zone, but security forces did not respond violently. Meanwhile, Muqtada al-Sadr issued a statement supporting the protesters, stating that no one can prevent the demonstrations. He warned that if protests were obstructed, the 'revolution' would continue in another form. Political unrest in Iraq comes at a time when the Islamic State group has carried out several suicide attacks in Baghdad over the past two weeks, resulting in over 200 deaths from these explosions. In this context, Muqtada al-Sadr called for the resumption of demonstrations in Baghdad, questioning whether a stable government in Iraq is a sweet dream or an unattainable reality. The increase in security measures in Baghdad follows the ongoing political crisis, with reports of 'disintegration' within the Shia camp in Iraq. At least 50 people were killed in a bomb explosion in Baghdad, and several suicide attacks in Baghdad have resulted in at least 70 deaths.