Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated at 1:15 on March 2)

Clashes erupted on Sunday between protesters and security forces near the Suspension Bridge (Al-Jisr Al-Mu’allaq) leading to Baghdad’s Green Zone, leaving 13 policemen injured, a security source told Shafaq News.

Supporters of armed factions, condemning the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes in Tehran, organized the protests. Authorities arrested 15 protesters, the source said, adding that protesters were also injured during the confrontations.

The Joint Operations Command noted in a statement that armed demonstrators opened fire, injuring several members of Iraq’s security forces during clashes. Protesters set fire to caravans and a vehicle, while authorities exercised maximum restraint.

A security source told Shafaq News earlier that some protesters attempted to advance toward the Green Zone, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons. The developments come amid demonstrations on roads leading to the Green Zone, where the US embassy is located.

The conflict erupted on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched large-scale operation on Iran, targeting senior leadership including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and strategic facilities. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US military facilities across the Middle East.