Iraqi Protestors Attack Saudi-TV Station After Calling Hamas and Hezbollah Leaders "Terrorist"
Before you read what the Iraqi protestors did, let's understand the difference between the side hustle groups known as Hamas and Hezbollah.
Hamas receives support from both Iran and Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese group, but its connection with Iran is complex. As a Sunni organization, Hamas does not accept Iran's Shia religious leadership, which adds layers of tension to their alliance. While both groups are united in their opposition to Israel, the ideological differences between Hamas and Iran shape their interactions and political strategies.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full article Here
Hezbollah, a powerful Shia movement in Lebanon, was founded in 1982 in response to Israel’s invasion, positioning itself as a resistance group. Since 1992, it has been led by Hassan Nasrallah and has grown into one of the world’s most heavily armed non-state actors and a major political force in Lebanon. Its military strength includes experienced fighters, mainly due to their involvement in Syria's civil war and control over southern Lebanon.
For more details, you can read the full article Here
In Baghdad, protesters attacked the Saudi-owned TV station MBC after it aired a program referring to leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah as "terrorists." This sparked outrage, especially among pro-Iran groups in Iraq.
Early Saturday morning, a crowd of 400 to 500 people stormed MBC’s offices, damaging equipment and setting part of the building on fire. According to an unnamed interior ministry source, the fire was extinguished, and security forces dispersed the crowd, though police remained stationed near the building for safety.
The uproar began after clips from the program circulated on Iraqi social media, drawing strong reactions. The report discussed "terrorism" in the Middle East, naming various figures and organizations, including Osama bin Laden, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other armed factions.
Notably, it mentioned Yahya Sinwar, the current leader of Hamas, who has been linked to the October 7 attack on Israel and was killed in Gaza. The report portrayed him as the "new face of terrorism." It also referenced former leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah who had recently been killed in the conflict.
This report aired while Israel was conducting military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, claiming to target Hamas and Hezbollah, which has resulted in heavy casualties. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 42,500 Palestinians in Gaza and more than 2,400 people in Lebanon. Other countries like Syria have also reported casualties from related conflicts.
In response to the MBC program, the Sabreen News channel, a media outlet close to pro-Iran groups in Iraq, shared footage of the protesters, some of whom carried flags representing various armed factions.
Though the Iraqi government, led by a pro-Iran majority, has tried to stay neutral in the regional conflict, armed pro-Iran groups, like the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have claimed responsibility for drone attacks against Israel. This highlights the complex web of alliances and tensions that continue to shape the region.
Based on this article and news surrounding previous incidents where journalists have either been placed in danger or killed due to media reports, it is safe to say that news reporting in Iraq could be considered dangerous.
