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After riots in Iraq, the Shiite preacher Muqtada al-Sadr called on his followers to withdraw. A nationwide curfew was lifted. After two days of violent protests that left more than 37 dead, the first supporters of Iraqi Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr left the government district in Baghdad. In a speech at his headquarters, al-Sadr had previously urged his supporters to evacuate the so-called Green Zone in the center within 60 minutes. If they don't do this, he himself will withdraw from his own movement, al-Sadr said in a televised address. He apologized to the Iraqi people. He had hoped for peaceful protests. The unrest in Iraq broke out after al-Sadr's announcement that he intends to withdraw from politics. He accused rivals of having ignored calls for reforms. His followers then took up arms. Several people were killed in the riots on Monday. Government palace stormed In the heavily secured Green Zone, militias from both sides fought each other. According to the Iraqi securit...

Explosions and gunfire broke out in central Baghdad. According to the military, the head of government escaped the attack unharmed. A drone loaded with explosives attacked the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in the fortified "Green Zone" of Baghdad. The prime minister escaped the attenate attempt unharmed, said the Iraqi military. The emergency services took "the necessary measures," it said in the message. Two government officials confirmed to the Reuters news agency that Kadhimi's residence had been hit at least once. The prime minister is safe. Al-Kadhimi wrote on Twitter that he was fine. He urged all Iraqis to keep calm. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Western diplomats in the "Green Zone" said they heard explosions and gunfire. Supporters of heavily armed groups close to Iran had repeatedly demonstrated near the "green zone" in recent weeks. They protested against the result of the last p...