Sadr arrives in Baghdad ahead of Friday's protests

Shia Iraqi leader Muqtada Al-Sadr arrived in Baghdad, from the Najaf province, where he told his followers to keep their demonstrations peaceful, while the government called on Iraqis to postpone the demonstrations, with security forces blocking a number of bridges and main roads in the capital.

Al-Sadr arrived in the capital on Tuesday evening in uniform, three days before the planned demonstrations, where he immediately headed to the Karrada district which witnessed a massive explosion last week that resulted in the death of 292 people.

He was greeted by thousands of his followers who chanting slogans in support of him. He asked them to remain peaceful, to cooperate with security forces and not to assault them.

The government had called on Iraqis to postpone the demonstrations planned for Fridays. Al-Sadr had called for the civil movement in protest against government corruption, however the cabinet warned that the protests could bring chaos to the capital and distract security forces who are embroiled in battles with Daesh.