Summary
Several thousand men backing a paramilitary force close to Iran flooded the Iraqi capital's main protest camp Thursday, worrying anti-government demonstrators who have denounced Tehran's role in their country.
Many units within the Shiite-majority force have been trained or equipped by Iran.
The demonstrators occupying the square for weeks have explicitly criticized Iran for backing an Iraqi political elite they see as corrupt and inept.
The new arrivals on Thursday mixed in with thousands of other protesters in the square, who appeared worried although no confrontation or skirmishes took place.
Tribal dignitaries intervened last week to tamp down tensions between protesters and security forces after more than two dozen people were killed in a bloody crackdown.
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