Life in the Green Zone: A Baghdad Resident’s Perspective

There has been reports of fighting between Iraqi security forces and the followers of Muqtada’s Sadr in Baghdad. We encourage everyone to remain calm and refrain from taking any move that can create tensions in the city. Our condolences go out to the families of those who’ve been killed during the violence.

1. Who is Muqtada Sadr?

In the city’s Green Zone, at least four civilians perished and numerous others were wounded by the shelling. This occurred in the midst of an unrest following Muqtada Sár’s resignation from the political arena. Muqtada Sadr, the Iraqi Shia leader and cleric is the head of the Sadrist Movement. This political group has a powerful military branch known as the Peace Companies. The cleric is controversial who has been accused of having been involved in the killing of Iraqi Shia leader Abdul-Majid al-Khoei. Sadr’s departure from politics has come as a shock to many, and has plunged Iraq into a period of confusion.

2. What exactly is what is the Green Zone?

The Green Zone is a heavily fortified area in Baghdad that is an administrative seat for the Iraqi government. It is frequently at the center of attack by militants as they see it as a symbol of the government’s power. The most recent attack took place on April 30 in which a suicide bomber set off a car bomb in the Green Zone, killing at minimum four people, and wounding many more. The incident occurred just a few two days after Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced he was quitting politics which could lead to instability in the country.

3. How come Sadr’s sympathizers opened fire on the Green Zone?

When Sadr made the announcement of his departure from his political activities, his supporters felt resentful over his perceived deceitful act. The protesters responded with a volley of gunfire at the Green Zone, which is an important location for Iraq’s official buildings as well as foreign embassies. The Green Zone has been for years an emblem of the regime’s power and authority, and the attack on it was an opportunity for the Sadr supporters to show their anger and discontent.

4. How many victims were to be killed?

Recent reports indicate that four civilians have been killed in an attack on Baghdad’s Green Zone. Several others have been wounded. The attacks come after the announcement of Moqtada Al-Sadr, a Shiite cleric who resigned from politics. This has added to the already the tensions that are rising in Iraq. It is known as the Green Zone is a highly-fortified area in the center of Baghdad which houses the Iraqi Government’s primary offices and the U.S. Embassy and other overseas missions. It has faced frequent militant attacks over the years. But the current increase in violence in Baghdad is particularly alarming because of the political situation.

A Brief Summary

The security situation in Baghdad remains unstable, with news of more violence as well as death. Muqtada al-Sadr has urged his supporters to get out of to leave the Green Zone, and it is not clear what will happen following.