They did not report any deaths or injuries from gunfire.
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Civilians have breached the Green Zone twice in three weeks, raising questions about the government’s ability to secure the capital. Al-Abadi referred to the protesters as “sneaking elements” who were allied with the Baath party and IS.
Protesters managed to hold the gate for some time despite repeatedly being tear gassed, but security forces eventually sallied out, firing automatic weapons into the air and unleashing more tear gas.
They fired tear gas and live bullets to drive back the mainly Shia Muslim crowds, as they protested against corruption and security failures.
A flash on state television said the military had regained “complete control” after security forces opened fire.
As the crowds surged out, a steady stream of ambulances were still screeching in.
“Blocking the bridges is no longer safeguarding the Green Zone”, Nasir al-Zuhairi, a Baghdad resident complained – implying that it would not make the area safer. “They are animals; they are shooting bullets at us”.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw several protesters receive severe wounds and one was shot in the head. That claim could not be verified.
Protesters withdrew from the Parliament building and Prime Ministry following security forces’ intervention.
The breaches of the area – which is also home to several major embassies, including that the United States – further deepen the country’s political crisis.
“We are aware protesters entered the International Zone”, said State Department spokesman John Kirby. “We can’t get close”.
Many protesters were supporters of powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who has led months of demonstrations and sit-ins calling for government reforms.
Meanwhile, anger is growing. Some security personnel were stabbed, according to a military statement. Police carrying batons patrolled the streets.
The pro-Iranian factions that are loyal to key Shi’ite government leaders, have sent veiled warnings for Sadr to stand down.
Witnesses said dozens of people were injured.
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Sadr announced in a statement that “peaceful protests” would continue, and warned that “no side has the right to prevent that”.
