The Baghdad Operational Command said in a brief statement that “the commander of Baghdad operations, Lieutenant General Ahmed Salim, has ordered that the protection of government departments and banks be strengthened.” The joint operations also urged “citizens to respect the curfew and stay away from malicious rumors.”

For its part, the Iraqi Ministry of Education announced in a statement “the postponement of the ministerial examinations for primary and secondary education (second round) for the 2021-2022 academic year until further notice”, explaining that “the decision has been made taking into account the extraordinary conditions, that our beloved country is going through, and to preserve the integrity of the country.” The safety of our dear students.

Hundreds of supporters of the Sadrist movement broke into the Republican Palace in the Green Zone of Baghdad. As a result, Iraqi forces are trying to disperse the supporters of the movement, who, in turn, are trying to storm the presidential residence with tear gas canisters.

Iraqi government prime minister Mustafa al-Kazemi declared “a state of maximum alert for all security forces in Baghdad” and announced a “suspension of cabinet meetings until further notice due to the infiltration of demonstrators into council headquarters.” He called on the demonstrators to immediately leave the Green Zone and follow the instructions of the security forces.

Earlier today, al-Sadr leader Muqtada al-Sadr announced his “final retirement from political life and the closure of all its institutions except the Shrine, the Noble Museum and the al-Sadr Heritage Office.”