Security tightened in Baghdad's Green Zone ahead of pro-Hashd rally

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Security forces deployed around Baghdad's Green Zone on Tuesday ahead of a planned rally by supporters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), security sources said. Law enforcement units were stationed in and around the heavily fortified area, which houses Iraq's legislative, executive and judicial institutions. Traffic congestion was reported in the Karada neighborhood in eastern Baghdad and surrounding streets as authorities prepared for a possible march by demonstrators toward the Suspended Bridge via the Fifth Gate. Officials said large-scale measures were taken in anticipation of a protest route from the Fifth Gate toward the bridge, a key access point leading to the Green Zone. The sources said the road to Baghdad International Airport remained open in both directions and that no streets had been closed or blocked at the time. They described the measures as limited to the preparation phase before the start of the demonstration. No further details were immediately available on the size of the expected rally or the organizers' specific demands.