13 Jul 2021 | 04:49 AM UTC
Iraq: Activists to protest in Baghdad July 13
Activists to protest in Baghdad, Iraq, July 13, following large hospital fire. Increased security, localized transport disruptions likely.
Event
Activists plan to protest in Baghdad from 16:00 July 13 to demand accountability following the deadly fire at Al-Hussein Hospital in Nasiriyah, which killed more than 50 people. Organizers announced that they would march from Kahramana Square to Firdos Square. Hundreds of individuals could attend the march.
Authorities will likely increase security to monitor the event. Large numbers of protesters will likely cause localized transport disruptions along Saadoun Street through late July 13. Clashes are possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse.
Context
A major fire broke out at Al-Hussein Hospital in Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar Governorate, late July 12, killing more than 50 people and injuring dozens of others. The hospital was primarily dedicated to COVID-19 patients. Conflicting reports indicate that the fire was either caused by an oxygen cylinder explosion or an electric short circuit. The incident is the second mass-casualty hospital fire to take place in Iraq in less than three months. During the night of April 24-25, a similar fire took place at Baghdad's Ibn al-Khatib Hospital, killing 82 people and injuring more than 100 others.
Advice
Avoid Kahramana Square, Firdos Square, and the surrounding area through late July 13 due to the potential for clashes. Plan for possible localized transport and business disruptions. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernment building. Heed all official security and transport advisories.
