The Associated Press reported that dozens of al-Sadr’s supporters had stormed government palace buildings following his resignation. “I hereby announce my final withdrawal,” al-Sadr said Monday, according to Al Jazeera, which posted on Twitter videos showing numerous protesters near the palace buildings.
At least five demonstrators were killed Monday as tensions continued to escalate, the AP reported. Fifteen others were injured by gunfire and a dozen more were hurt after confrontations with riot police and the use of tear gas, the AP said.
In October 2021, al-Sadr’s political party won the largest share of parliamentary seats in the country’s primary elections but not enough for majority control. He and members of his party have been unwilling to negotiate with rival Shiites, who are supported by Iran, and the result has been political uncertainty and a government in deadlock, according to the AP.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Iraq said, “Reports of unrest throughout Iraq today are disturbing as Iraqi institutions are not being allowed to operate. The United States is concerned about escalating tensions and urges all parties to remain peaceful and refrain from acts that could lead to a cycle of violence. Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty should not be put at risk.”
The statement continued, “Now is the time for dialogue to resolve differences, not through confrontation. The right to peaceful public protest is a fundamental element of all democracies, but demonstrators must also respect the institutions and property of the Iraqi government, which belong to and serve the Iraqi people and should be allowed to function.”
In an update, the embassy said, “A comprehensive curfew in Baghdad has been announced for all citizens and vehicles, starting at 15:30 today Monday, August 29.”
Reports of an embassy evacuation have been denied. Jennifer Griffin of Fox News tweeted: “State Dept says reports the US evacuated its Embassy in Baghdad are false.”
Her tweet added, “From a State Department Spokesperson: These reports are false. As a matter of policy, we do not comment on matters involving internal security.”
According to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby told reporters on Monday that the ongoing protests in Baghdad are “disturbing.”
“There’s no evacuation going on at the embassy and no indication that’s going to be required at this time,” Kirby added while speaking to reporters, according to The Hill.
Amid the protests, the AP also reported that Iraq’s armed forces had imposed a nationwide curfew, set for 7 p.m. local time.
“The security forces affirm their responsibility to protect government institutions, international missions, public and private properties,” the country’s military said in a statement, the AP reported. The statement also called on residents to “prevent clashes or the spilling of Iraqi blood.”
Newsweek reached out to the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Iraq for comment.
Update 8/29/22, 3:24 p.m. ET: This story was updated with additional information.
