Iran-Backed Militias Withdraw From US Embassy After Security Forces Fire Rubber Bullets, Tear Gas

U.S. Embassy security forces use stun grenades to disperse protesters and militia fighters during a protest to condemn air strikes on bases belonging to Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces), outside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq on Jan. 1, 2020. Thaier al-Sudani/Reuters

Iran-backed militias withdrew from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq on Jan. 1 after security forces fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the mob of Iraqis who gathered at the compound.

The withdrawal came a day after a mix of protesters and militia members and supporters stormed the embassy’s outer walls, prompting a contingent of U.S. Marines to deploy from Kuwait.