For the first time, the Iraqi National Communications and Media Commission shut down or gave warnings to 17 media institutions for covering the protests in Iraq. The offices of Al-Arabiya, Al-Hadath, Dijlah TV, Al-Rasheed TV, NRT, Al-Sharqiya TV, Al-Fallujah TV, Houna Baghdad and Al-Hurra were closed, while Al-Sumariya, Asia Network Television, Rudaw Media Network, Sky News Arabia and Ur Television were warned to change how they cover the demonstrations.
On Nov. 17, a mortar shell hit Iraq Art Co. in Karrada in the center of Baghdad. Security information reported that the shell was launched east of the canal in the capital. This is where most of the shells that are fired toward the Green Zone are launched, indicating the involvement of Iran-backed groups.
