Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi directed the joint operation command to ensure security in Baghdad, and giving it necessary authorities for doing so.

Speaking to MENA, security expert in extremist groups affairs, Hisham al Hashimi said the decision represents an escalation.

Under the decision, the command is allowed to withdraw troops from military operation zones to takeover security tasks in the capital, instead of Baghdad operation command.

In the meantime, the command of the Popular Mobilization Forces called for withdrawal of all arms from the cities, and leaving weapons at the hands of the security forces.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of Iraqis staged a protest outside Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.

The protesters took to streets upon a call by influential Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al Sadr, disregarding the Iraqi government's rejection to stage the demonstration.

They demanded measures to eliminate corruption.

Sadr had issued a statement on Thursday saying his movement would ignore the ban but also calling on his supporters to refrain from violence in dealing with the security forces.

Source : MENA