Security forces clash with Iraq’s Hezbollah in Baghdad

By Ali Jawad

BAGHDAD (AA) - Iraqi security forces have imposed a cordon around the Baghdad headquarters of Iraq’s Hezbollah Brigades (which is distinct from its better-known Lebanese counterpart) after group members targeted a police patrol, according to a local police source.

“Armed clashes erupted today along ​​Palestine Street in eastern Baghdad between local police and Hezbollah fighters as a result of a misunderstanding between the two sides,” Baghdad Police Captain Ahmed Khalaf told Anadolu Agency.

According to Khalaf, at least one police officer was hurt in the clashes.

“Federal and local police then cordoned off the building and demanded the militants turn themselves in,” he said.

Following negotiations between police and Hezbollah leaders, the latter agreed to hand over the fighters who had reportedly fired on the police patrol.

Iraq’s Hezbollah Brigades is a component of the Hashd al-Shaabi, an umbrella group of armed Shia factions incorporated into the Iraqi Armed Forces in 2016.

Currently deployed in northern and western Iraq, the Hashd al-Shaabi took part in Iraq’s three-year war against the Daesh terrorist group, which ended last year when the army recaptured Mosul.