9 dead, hundreds wounded as Iraq anti-government protests turn violent

At least seven people were reportedly killed and hundreds wounded in a widespread clash between anti-government protestors and security forces across several Iraqi provinces on October 2. The security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas for the second consecutive day to disperse the anti-government protestors demanding jobs, better services, and an end to corruption. The overall number of protestors killed in two days of violence reached nine. The protests on Tuesday had left two dead, in the capital city of Baghdad and another in the city of Nasiriyah and over 200 injured. The incidence occurred despite massive security mounted by the government of Iraq in an attempt to quash the economically driven protests. Scores of heavily armed security forces and riot police were deployed on the streets of Baghdad blocking all intersections leading to a major central square Wednesday to prevent a repeat of Tuesday’s protests. Armed vehicles and SUVs guarded the street until afternoon. Civilians said that the authorities had shut down social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

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Worst violence between protestors and security forces in Iraq

Groups of protestors rallied through the streets and some of them demanding to oust the government. Thick black smoke liberated over the city as demonstrators set fire to tires and garbage containers. During the night, the protestors blocked the road leading to Baghdad airport. The news rapidly spread to at least seven other provinces in the country with an estimated 3,000 protestors taking to the streets in the southern city of Basra. Protests and clashes were also reported in Najaf, Nasiriyah, Waset, Diwaniyah, and in other places. It was the worst violence between the protestors and security forces in Iraq which signaled a new round of political instability. Iraq is in the middle of the US-Iran tensions in the Middle East putting additional pressure on the fragile government in Iraq. The protests which were organised on social media started in Tahrir Square on Tuesday initially driven by economic woes. It began peacefully with protestors demanding an end to corruption, better job opportunities, and improved basic services. However, it immediately turned violent after the security forces clashed with the protestors and fired water cannons,  tear gas, and live ammunition.

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'Measures will be taken to protect citizens and public property'

According to the officials, a few protestors tried to reach Tahrir Square again on Wednesday morning but were stopped by scores of riot police and who formed a human barrier and soldiers who blocked roads. Security forces again fired tear gas and live ammunition into the air to disperse the protesters, chasing them away. Saadoun Street, a major commercial hub leading to Tahrir Square, was deserted and all the shops and restaurants were closed. Security officials said that a curfew was imposed in several southern Iraqi cities including Nasiriyah, Amara, and Hilla after protesters attacked government buildings there. The government of Iraq led by Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi is facing a serious challenge. He held an official meeting and said that measures will be taken to protect citizens and public property. He said that the government will spare no effort to fulfill the demands of the protesters.

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