Reuters reported concerns over a coup d’état have increased as Maliki stationed his special forces in various Baghdad streets. Forces loyal to Maliki positioned in Baghdad’s strategic areas on Sunday night, and this took place following Maliki’s harsh speech where he said he will not succumb to pressures to forgo a third term as prime minister, Reuters added.
A police official said these forces stationed in these areas 90 minutes before the speech by Maliki, whose term has come to an end, Reuters added.
Some reports indicate the building where Foad Massoum is stationed had also been surrounded, Reuters continued.
Al Jazeera TV cited AFP in saying following Maliki’s speech security forces stationed in vast areas of Baghdad’s Green Zone.
AP reported Maliki led Iraq into a deep crisis late Sunday night.
The US government immediately responded to Maliki’s remarks and according to Reuters, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Brett McGurk said the US supports Iraqi President Foad Massoum to select a candidate for the prime ministry role that can establish national reconciliation.
Reuters said US State Department spokesman Marie Harf issued a statement saying Washington rejects any efforts to reach results through force or altering the constitution or judicial process. The US is monitoring the situation and we are in contact with Iraqi leaders, she added.