Shafaq News / The U.S. embassy in Baghdad on Monday expressed concern over the recent escalation that took place in several Iraqi governorates today.

The embassy said in a statement, "Reports of unrest throughout Iraq today are disturbing as Iraqi institutions are not being allowed to operate."

It added, "The United States is concerned about

Shafaq News/ Iraq's outgoing President Barham Salih warned that the heightened political tension might plunge the country into "abysmal and perilous mazes", urging everyone to show self-restraint and avoid escalation.

"The rights of peaceful demonstration and the freedom of expression are guaranteed by the constitution as long as law is respected

Shafaq News / The security forces evacuated the government palace after, Baghdad, protestors from the Sadrist movement stormed it earlier today, Monday, using sticks and tear gas. 

Multiple suffocation cases have been reported among media persons covering the protests inside Baghdad's ultra-secure Green Zone as security forces attempt to disperse

Shafaq News/ A police officer was reportedly injured in an ISIS rifle attack on the outskirts of Diyala's al-Abbara sub-district on Saturday evening.

A source told Shafaq News Agency that a sniper who belongs to the extremist group attacked a patrol near the orchards of al-Zahra area, 15 kilometers to the north of Baqubah.

The attack resulted in