The death toll in Iraq’s political conflict has risen to 23. Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr called on his followers to end the rebellion. Sadr’s announcement that he was ending active politics fueled the insurgency in the country.
Street fighting has been going on in Baghdad for two days. Followers of Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr on one side, Iraqi security forces and Iran-backed groups on the other. The political uncertainty and conflict that started following the 2021 general elections led to the riots. Muqtada al-Sadr’s party was the single largest party in the election. But Sadar might not form the government. Then there is a caretaker government in Iraq for 10 months. Many times Sadr’s supporters invaded the parliament. Finally, the other day, Sadr dramatically announced his retirement from politics. Sadr announced that he was quitting active politics and closing all his offices. With this, the followers entered the high security area of the Parliament building and unleashed violence. .As the situation spiraled out of control, Sadr appealed to his followers to end the riots. Sadr also apologized to the Iraqi people in a televised address. With this, the riots have eased.
