Iraq: clashes in Baghdad between security forces and pro-Iran paramilitary groups

Supporters of pro-Iran groups flee security forces after clashes during a demonstration against election results in Baghdad on November 5, 2021. REUTERS - AHMED SAAD

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In Iraq, clashes took place this Friday between Iraqi security forces and pro-Iran paramilitary groups in Baghdad who tried to enter this Friday in the ultra-secure district of the capital where political institutions are located.

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With our correspondent in Baghdad, 

Worrisome clashes, but predictable because since the announcement of the preliminary results of the legislative elections, these paramilitaries of the Popular Mobilization Forces are angry.

Their

almost half of its seats in Parliament.

So part of these factions have now been demonstrating for three weeks near the political and diplomatic quarter of Baghdad to demand a recount of the votes and cry out for electoral fraud.

Threat of a military response

Some of the leaders of these armed groups even threatened a military response.

And this Friday, they obviously lost patience, storming this area of ​​power, throwing large stones at the security forces who responded with charges and shots towards the sky.

An escalation that fears the worst in Iraq.

These

in the country, and even if they are integrated into the Iraqi security apparatus, some are beyond the control of the state.

A strictly speaking armed confrontation did not take place this Friday in Baghdad, but this possibility is not to be excluded in the country in the future.

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• Iraq

• Iran