Hashd Al-Shaabi Commander Blames US for Basra Unrests

Rasa - Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of the forces commonly known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Shaabi (popular forces), took the US embassy in Baghdad and its consulate for the recent unrests and attacks against the government buildings in Basra.

News ID: 439473

Date: 10 September 2018 - 13:02

RNA - "We have complete information and documents showing that the US embassy and consulate should be blamed for unrests in Basra," al-Muhandis told reporters in a press conference on Sunday.

He added that the unrests have political roots, specially with regard to the change in government and formation of the new cabinet, noting that some interest groups behind the unrests intended to stir panic among people and foment differences among political parties.

Addressing the American officials, al-Muhandis said that the Iraqis will never enter an internal war and will prepare a proper response to the Basra incidents.

According to Fars News Agency, Iraqis in Southern areas of the country are demonstrating against lack of public services in poor areas and the angry protestors have set many government buildings and diplomatic missions in Basra on fire.

Protesters stormed the Iranian consulate in Southern Iraq's city of Basra on Friday, setting it on fire as part of demonstrations against lack of services and jobs in which several government buildings have been ransacked and torched.

Demonstrators on Friday broke into the consulate building in Basra which was empty when the crowd burst in.

Iraqi security officials announced a citywide curfew in Basra, a city of two million people, warning that "anyone present in the street" would be arrested.

847/940