Protesters storm Baghdad, chant "Death to America, death to Israel"

On Saturday night, thousands of protesters gathered at the gate to the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, where the American embassy is located, among other places. They chanted, "Death to America, death to Israel," making it clear they intended to break into the U.S. embassy and burn it.

After the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani—who, as noted by AP, came to power with the support of political groups funded by Iran and linked to Hezbollah—declared a three-day mourning period in the country for Nasrallah's death.

Sudani condemned the killing of the Hezbollah leader, calling it a "shameful crime" that showed Israel "crossed all red lines".

On Saturday night, a massive crowd gathered on the streets of Baghdad, angry over Nasrallah's death. Protesters held photos of the Hezbollah leader and banners accusing the United States and Israel. They chanted: "Death to America, death to Israel".

The crowd marched to the gate separating the Green Zone from the rest of the city and demanded that security forces open it. Protesters wanted to reach the U.S. embassy building. Many openly stated their intention to set it on fire.

Security forces and local police initially tried to persuade the protesters to disperse. When that failed, water cannons were deployed.

In the end, the attack by the enraged crowd was repelled, and they were prevented from crossing the gate and reaching the bridge leading to the Green Zone.

The Green Zone is the colloquial name for Iraq's "international zone," located in central Baghdad. It is a heavily fortified area covering about 4 square miles. This is where the headquarters of the temporary Iraqi authorities were located after the Gulf War.

Currently, it houses the headquarters of the Iraqi National Assembly, Iraqi government offices, and several embassies, including those of the United States and the United Kingdom.