US asks Iraq to hold early elections, halt violence against protesters

In a statement released by the White House, the government of the United States has urged the Iraqi government to hold early elections due to on-going anti-government protests. The statement released November 10, said that Washington, was ‘seriously concerned’ about the escalating situation in Iraq and wants the government to ‘halt the violence against the protesters’. The White House statement reads,

 “The United States joins the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq in calling on the Iraqi government to halt the violence against protesters and fulfill President Salih’s promise to pass electoral reform and hold early election”

Biggest anti-government protests underway in Iraq

The anti-government protests started in the month of October. Since then there have been constant clashes between the security forces and the protesters. The Iraqi human rights organization informed the international media that there have been continuous escalations between the law enforcement forces who have used tear gas and water cannons on the people. Six people have been reported dead during the crackdown of the demonstrations on November 9 in the capital city of Iraq. According to reports, the protests in Iraq are the biggest after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

READ: Iraq: Over 300 Killed Since Beginning Of Anti-government Protests

READ: Iraq Protesters Attack Iran Consulate In Shiite Holy City Karbala

300 killed, 15000 injured in protests

The Iraqi Parliamentary Human Rights Committee has reported that there have been 300 killings since the onset of the anti-government protests in Iraq and 15,000 people were reported injured during the demonstrations. The people of Iraq demand the change of government along with better living conditions, economic reforms, more social welfare programs and no more corruption. The situation seems to hit the worst of its time and therefore United States urged Iraq to hold early elections, which might bring leaders to power and put an end to the protests. 

The spokesperson of the country’s Armed Forces Abdul Karim Khalaf has asserted that the Iraqi military forces have not deployed any kind of weapons to restrict the protesters, to ensure no one is injured during the protests. 

READ: Iraq Protests: Capital City Baghdad Blocked As Unrest Escalates

READ: Iraqi Protesters Hold Baghdad Square After Night Of Clashes

(Inputs from ANI)