Over the past week, Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups and other pro-Iranian organizations increased messaging about demonstrations that would take place against the American embassy in Baghdad on July 14. Among this messaging was calls to besiege the complex, prompting security advisories by the embassy.
Ashab Al Kahf on the way to US embassy. #Iraq #?????? #????? pic.twitter.com/ch5EFQn1zl
— QUDS_INT (@quds_int) July 14, 2023
Demonstrations began today shortly before 5pm local time, with Iraqi security forces deploying in large numbers throughout the Green Zone as demonstrators, largely made up of Ashab al-Kahaf and Iraqi Basij members and supporters, marched towards the embassy.
At this time, there appears to be several hundred militia members and supports, who have begun limited clashes with security forces.
