Iraq protesters attack Iran consulate in Shiite holy city Karbala

Amidst ongoing anti-government protests in Baghd and majority-Shiite provinces in south, Iraqi demonstrators attacked Iran consulate in holy city of Karbala on vember 3. Protesters scaled concrete barriers, brought down an Iranian flag and replaced it with an Iraqi one. As reported by witnesses, in retaliation, security forces fired in air to disperse protesters who threw stones and even burned tires around building in city south of Baghd. re are immediate casualties in protests.

Angered protesters 

protesters are mainly directed towards postwar political system and class of elite leers that Iraqis accuse of hindering country's wealth while it is growing even poorer. Along with that, demonstrators are also angry towards ir neighbouring country, Iran and powerful Iraqi Shiite military forces linked to it. anger among protesters has often turned demonstrations, violent. A day before y attacked Iranian consulate, protesters blocked main ros in Baghd and parked ir cars at major junctions of city while police refrained from intervening. Nearly 250 people have been killed amidst frequent clashes with security forces. However, protests have grown stronger while calling for drastic changes in policy and t just government's resignation.

Re | Iraq Protests: Capital City Baghd Blocked As Unrest Escalates

'It is time for rmal life': PM

Iraqi Prime Minister, el Abdul Mahdi also said on vember 3 that it is time for life to return to rmal and asked protesters to reopen ros. This is also after month-long protests across major cities in country demanding a wide-ranging political change. Furrmore, PM Mahdi also me a statement to reopen schools and markets in capital and across mostly Shiite south. According to Iraqi PM, threats of closing oil facilities and blocked ros have cost country in 'billions' of dollars and furr affected prices which are a cause of trouble for everyone. PM Mahdi h me a distinction between peaceful protesters, who according to him have me demonstrations into 'popular festivals' which are responsible for bringing nation toger, and “outlaws” who use demonstrators as “human shields” to attack security forces. Iraqi PM h also met with top security officials on vember 2.

Re | 'Curfew Hours Reduced In Baghd, Iraq Due To Security Reasons'

Political crisis in Iraq

Iraq has been witnessing consecutive days of tens and thousands of protesters who are demanding for an ecomic reform along with removal of country's politically favourable officials. Amid escalating political crisis, PM Mahdi h said earlier that he will t leave voluntarily, however, he will call an election unilaterally after parliament votes in absolute majority to dissolve itself. Protesters gared in Baghd's central Tahrir Square asking government to meet ir demands on October 29 which was also largest of its kind of eruption during second wave of protests in country. se protesters have also been retaliated by police forces in a violent manner, with use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. Nearly 250 people have died since demonstrations began on October 1.

Re | Security Forces Kill Protester In Iraq, Wound Dozens

Re | Iran Blames US & Western Allies Of "causing Riots" In Iraq, Leban

(With AP inputs)