Iraq: The death toll of the clashes rises, at least 20 dead

Al Jazeera reported that the death toll in clashes between supporters of al-Sadr and armed groups of his political rivals in the Green Zone in Iraqi capital Baghdad has risen to 20. Earlier, Al Arabia tv channel reported that more than 300 others were wounded in the clashes.

According to media reports, fierce fighting was under way in Baghdad between the Saraya al-Salam (Peace Forces) brigade subordinate to al-Sadr and units of the Shiite militia al-Hashd al-Shaabi. The sides were using mortars and heavy machine guns.

Supporters of al Sadr, who had organized a week-long sit-in at the parliament in the Green Zone, breached the entrance to the Republican Building, where government meetings are usually held. At least seven mortar rounds were fired into the Green Zone on Monday night, according to a security Source cited by France Presse but it is unclear by whom.
#greenzone #bagdad #alsadr #parliament #iraq #iraqprotests #shiites #political_news