By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- Late Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning for its citizens to avoid Iraq amid deadly ongoing political clashes in Baghdad that have now begun fanning out across the country. Ever since prominent Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced he was leaving politics, his supporters began violent protests in the streets, including storming Iraq’s Republican Palace. The palace is in the heavily armed Green Zone, home to government agencies and several foreign diplomatic missions. Local Iraqi media reported 13 protesters killed in clashes with reports of 350 injured on Monday. A nationwide curfew was issued by Iraqi security forces after increased clashes broke out across the country.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued the following travel advisory for Iraq: “Considering that the security situation in Baghdad has started to deteriorate, our citizens are advised to avoid traveling to the aforementioned city except for compulsory situations.” The ministry statement further advised: “It would be beneficial for our citizens, currently in Iraq, to stay away from places where mass demonstrations are in Baghdad, to follow additional warnings and announcements made by our Ministry and Embassy in Baghdad, and to be vigilant for their personal safety.” The Turkish Foreign Ministry also expressed its concern about developments in what it referred to as “brotherly” Iraq and commented: “We hope that the current political conflicts will be resolved peacefully and through inclusive dialogue, and the peace and well-being of the Iraqi people will be ensured.”
In addition, U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel issued a statement: “We’re aware of the reports of increasing violence and potential casualties, and we condemn the use of violence above all. Now is the time for dialogue.” The Biden administration stated, “that reports of (our) Embassy (in) Baghdad being evacuated are false.” Media reports confirm that eyewitnesses said the conflict stems from al-Sadr loyalists and supporters of the rival Coordination Framework, and the Iran-linked umbrella bloc of Iraqi Shia parties.
