Baghdad’s heavily fortified ‘Green Zone’ fully reopens for first time since US-led invasion of Iraq

The high-security zone in the centre of the capital had been totally inaccessible for most Iraqis since Saddam Hussein’s toppling in 2003

From Tuesday, which marks end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, all main roads criss-crossing the enclave will be open around the clock

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Iraqi security forces remove concrete blast walls at the Green Zone in Baghdad. Photo: AP

Published: 6:16pm, 4 Jun 2019Updated: 6:15pm, 4 Jun 2019

It was long the seat of Saddam Hussein’s iron-fisted rule, then a sealed-off symbol of US occupation and, more recently, out-of-touch politicians. On Tuesday, Baghdad’s emblematic “Green Zone” fully reopens.

The move is yet another signal that Iraq is getting back on its feet after decades of conflict – and that its government is searching for political capital to head off summertime protests.

The high-security zone in the centre of Baghdad had been totally inaccessible for a vast majority of Iraqis since the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam in 2003.

Since coming to power last year, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi has ordered the gradual shedding of concrete blast walls and checkpoints around the area, and opened a few routes to through traffic during set windows.

Prime Minister of Iraq Adel Abdel-Mahdi ordered the zone be reopened. Photo: EPA

Starting on Tuesday, a holiday marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, all main roads criss-crossing the enclave will be open around the clock.