Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, a former communications minister, was appointed by President Barham Salih. His predecessor Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned in November, amid mass anti-government demonstrations. Hundreds of protesters have been killed.

Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi appointed as Iraq's New Prime Minister

Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, a former communications minister, was appointed by President Barham Salih as Prime Minister of Iraq. Last Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned in November, amid mass anti-government demonstrations, where hundreds of protesters lost their lives.

Iraqi protesters reject newly appointed Prime Minister

Washington&nbsp;on Friday spurned an&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;request to prepare to pull out its&nbsp;troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US&nbsp;killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-asks-us-to-send-delegation-and-set-up-mechanism-for-troop-pullout-273491">Qasem Soleimani</a>.

Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;and Tehran are also the&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;government's main allies and vie for influence there.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-curbs-trumps-war-power-amid-iran-tensions-273283">Donald Trump</a> said Iran had probably planned to attack the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US&nbsp;embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US&nbsp;drone strike.

"We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies."

Iraqi&nbsp;Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> made his request for preparations for a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal in a phone&nbsp;call&nbsp;with US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said.

Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission.

The State Department said any US&nbsp;delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate."

"There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US&nbsp;and&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/placating-turkey-trump-admin-says-doesnt-recognise-armenian-genocide-268796">Morgan Ortagus</a> said in a statement.

Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in."

He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account."

"I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said.

Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region".

Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-under-pressure-at-home-over-plane-crash-warns-iran-world-is-watching-273502">Francois‑Philippe Champagne</a> as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing".

The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US&nbsp;killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January&nbsp;3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US&nbsp;forces in Iraq.

In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense.

Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict.

Grand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-killing-of-qasem-soleimani-will-lead-to-the-strengthening-of-iranian-hardliners-272109">Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani</a> said it was&nbsp;Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate.

"The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making."

Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003.

At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US&nbsp;interests across the world were now exposed to threats.

Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its&nbsp;calls for US&nbsp;forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-missile-attack-news-iran-appears-to-be-standing-down-says-trump-273124">Ali Khamenei</a> has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US&nbsp;military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal.

Critics have&nbsp;called Soleimani's killing a reckless action.

But Pompeo said on Friday&nbsp;Washington&nbsp;had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US&nbsp;embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk."

As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;militias to quash months of protests by&nbsp;Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States.

In&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-iran-can-india-play-peacemaker-273348">US-Iran conflict</a>.

Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters.

"Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US&nbsp;or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there. Seeking to tighten pressure on its foe, the United States meanwhile imposed more sanctions on Iran, responding to an attack on US troops in Iraq launched by Tehran in retaliation for the death of General Qasem Soleimani. Iraq could bear the brunt of any further violence between its neighbour Iran and the United States, its leaders caught in a bind as Washington and Tehran are also the Iraqi government's main allies and vie for influence there. President Donald Trump said Iran had probably planned to attack the US embassy in Baghdad and was aiming to strike four US embassies when Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike. "We will tell you probably it was going to be the embassy in Baghdad," Trump said in a clip of an interview with Fox News. "I can reveal that I believe it would have been four embassies." Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi made his request for preparations for a US troop withdrawal in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in line with a vote in Iraq's parliament last week, his office said. Abdul Mahdi asked Pompeo to "send delegates to put in place the tools to carry out the parliament's decision," his office said in a statement, adding that the forces used in the killing had entered Iraq or used its airspace without permission. The State Department said any US delegation would not discuss the withdrawal of US troops as their presence in Iraq was "appropriate." "There does, however, need to be a conversation between the US and Iraqi governments not just regarding security, but about our financial, economic, and diplomatic partnership," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Trump said in the Fox News interview that if Iraq wanted the United States to leave, he would tell them: "You have to pay us for the money we put in." He said the United States has $35 billion of Iraq's money "sitting in an account." "I think they'll agree to pay. Otherwise, we'll stay there," Trump said. Pompeo told reporters a NATO delegation was in Washington on Friday to discuss the future of the Iraq mission and a plan to "get burden-sharing right in the region". Separately, the State Department said Pompeo had discussed Iran with Canadian Foreign Minister Francois‑Philippe Champagne as well as "the opportunity for an expanded NATO force in Iraq and appropriate burden-sharing". The latest flare-up in the long covert war between Iran and the United States began with the US killing of Soleimani, Iran's top general, in a drone strike on January 3. Iran responded on Wednesday by firing missiles at US forces in Iraq. In the aftermath, both sides backed off from intensifying the conflict but the region remains tense. Iraq's top Shiite Muslim cleric condemned the US-Iranian struggle happening on Iraqi soil, saying it risked plunging his country and the wider Middle East into deeper conflict. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said it was Iraqis who stood to suffer most from the US-Iranian conflict. In a message delivered through a representative at Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Sistani said no foreign powers should be allowed to decide Iraq's fate. "The latest dangerous aggressive acts, which are repeated violations of Iraqi sovereignty, are a part of the deteriorating situation" in the region, Sistani said. "Iraq must govern itself and there must be no role for outsiders in its decision-making." Iraq has suffered decades of war, sanctions and sectarian conflict, including the US-led invasion of 2003. At Friday prayers in Tehran, mid-ranking Iranian cleric Mohammad Javad Haj Aliakbari said US interests across the world were now exposed to threats. Since Soleimani's killing, Tehran has stepped up its calls for US forces to leave Iraq, which like Iran is a mainly Shiite Muslim nation. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said the retaliatory strikes were not enough and that ending the US military presence in the region was Tehran's main goal. Critics have called Soleimani's killing a reckless action. But Pompeo said on Friday Washington had specific information about an imminent Iranian threat including to US embassies, adding: "American lives were at risk." As part of his most recent activities in Iraq, Soleimani had encouraged pro-Iranian Iraqi militias to quash months of protests by Iraqis opposed to the influence in their country of foreign powers such as Iran and the United States. In Iraqi cities, demonstrators took to the streets again on Friday, determined to keep up the momentum of their protests despite attention turning to the threat of a US-Iran conflict. Gunmen killed two local journalists covering protests in the southern city of Basra, security sources and state media said. Ahmed Abdulsamad, Basra correspondent of Dijla TV station owned by senior Sunni politician Mohammed al-Karbouli, as killed immediately while his camera operator succumbed to his wounds in hospital, a medical source told reporters. "Politicians and clerics are either with Iran, the US or other countries. Our allegiance is to Iraq only, not to factions and politicians," said Essam Faraj, 54, a demonstrator in Baghdad.

US-Iran tensions escalate as Washington refuses Tehran's request to remove troops

The Iraqi parliament on Sunday passed a motion calling for the expulsion of US troops, in the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian general and the leader of Iraq’s Hezbollah militia by the US outside Baghdad airport on Friday.

The Iraqi parliament on Sunday passed a motion calling for the expulsion of US troops, in the aftermath of the assassination of Iranian general and the leader of Iraq’s Hezbollah militia by the US outside Baghdad airport on Friday. The US-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State has suspended operations against the terrorist group following Iraqi parliament motion. There are an estimated 6,000 US troops based in Iraq, whose primary function had been helping train the Iraqi military in anti-Isis operations, but their presence has become controversial. There is considerable unhappiness in Iraq that Donald Trump authorised the unannounced drone strike on Suleimani and others on Iraqi soil. But few believe the US will be forced to remove its forces. A resolution passed by a special session of parliament said the government should cancel its request for assistance from a US-led coalition, reported news agency Reuters. Parliament resolutions, unlike laws, are non-binding to the government. But this one is likely to be heeded: Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi had earlier called on parliament to end foreign troop presence as soon as possible, the Reuters report stated. "Despite the internal and external difficulties that we might face, it remains best for Iraq on principle and practically," Abdul Mahdi said.

Iraqi parliament passes motion for expulsion of US troops from its soil 

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned air strikes by the United States on several bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia group in Iraq and said the attack would have consequences.

Iraq PM condemns US strikes on its soil

Protesters&nbsp;angry about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">US&nbsp;airstrikes</a> on&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;hurled stones and torched a&nbsp;security&nbsp;post&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-blames-iran-for-us-embassy-attack-in-baghdad-promises-us-will-always-respond-strongly-271317">US&nbsp;Embassy</a>&nbsp;in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to the Middle East.

The protests, led by Iranian-backed militias, posed a new foreign policy challenge for&nbsp;US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>, who faces re-election in 2020. He threatened to retaliate against Iran.

The State Department said diplomatic personnel inside were safe and there were no plans to evacuate them.

Embassy&nbsp;guards used stun grenades and tear gas to repel&nbsp;protesters, who stormed and&nbsp;burned the&nbsp;security&nbsp;post&nbsp;at the entrance but did not breach the main compound.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protesters-storm-us-embassy-compound-in-baghdad-271300/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said that in addition to Marines sent to protect&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;personnel, about 750 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East and that&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;were prepared to deploy over the next several days.

"This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against&nbsp;US&nbsp;personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today,"&nbsp;US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement.

US&nbsp;officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 750&nbsp;troops&nbsp;would initially be based out of Kuwait. The officials said that as many as 4,000&nbsp;troops&nbsp;could be sent to the&nbsp;region&nbsp;in the coming days if needed.

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="299bcfa9-b50b-472b-b1cb-dcf591fb50d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2838%29_2.jpg" />

More than 5,000&nbsp;US&nbsp;troops&nbsp;are stationed in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;supporting local forces.

The unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between the United States and Iran both influential players in the country - and plunged&nbsp;US&nbsp;relations with&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;to their worst level in years.

The United States and its allies invaded&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;in 2003 and ousted Saddam Hussein. But political stability has been elusive.

Trump, on a two-week working vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, spoke by phone to&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Adel Abdul Mahdi</a> of&nbsp;Iraq. "President Trump emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in&nbsp;Iraq," the White House said.

Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence.

"Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump said in a tweet.

Iran, under severe economic duress from punishing&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions put in place by Trump, denied responsibility.

"America has the surprising audacity of attributing to Iran the protests of the&nbsp;Iraqi people against (Washington's) savage killing of at least 25&nbsp;Iraqis," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af442d77-60db-4b16-ab9a-673479b4affa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2836%29_6.jpg" />

The&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;incident came seven years after the 2012 attack by armed militants on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the&nbsp;US&nbsp;ambassador and three other Americans and led to multiple congressional investigations.

The protests followed&nbsp;US&nbsp;airstrikes on Sunday on bases operated by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah inside&nbsp;Iraq, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55. The strikes were retaliation for the killing of a&nbsp;US&nbsp;civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an&nbsp;Iraqi military base, which Washington blamed on Kataib Hezbollah.

"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will," Trump said in a tweet. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Iraq. They will be held fully responsible."

Democrats&nbsp;upset that Trump ditched the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2015 were quick to pounce on the incident as a failure of Trump's Iran policy.

"The predictable result of the Trump administration’s reckless bluster, escalation, and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support," said&nbsp;US&nbsp;Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The&nbsp;protesters joined briefly by Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia leaders, threw stones at the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;gate, while others chanted: "No, no, America! No, no, Trump!"

<img alt="Iraq" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66f91c45-4f5c-40f4-9543-f97112bb0baf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2840%29_0.jpg" />

Iraqi special forces prevented&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;entering, later reinforced by&nbsp;US-trained&nbsp;Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces.

The&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the&nbsp;US-led invasion of 2003, but had not been physically attacked by demonstrators in that way before.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mike-pompeo-to-meet-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-on-friday-271101">Mike Pompeo</a> told CBS News that&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials never contemplated evacuating the&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;and had kept the heat on&nbsp;Iraqi officials to ensure the compound was safe.

"We reminded them throughout the day of their continued responsibility," he said.

The Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella grouping of the militias that have been officially integrated into&nbsp;Iraq's armed forces, said 62 militiamen and civilians were wounded by the tear gas and stun grenades fired to disperse the crowd.

A Reuters witness saw blood on the face of one wounded militiaman and on the stomach of the other as their colleagues&nbsp;carried them away.

Iraqis have been taking to the streets in the thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-pm-kataib-hezbollah-condemns-us-airstrikes-271203">Kataib Hezbollah</a> and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi's government.

Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent of the Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the&nbsp;embassy.

Protesters angry about US airstrikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East.

Protesters angry about US airstrikes on Iraq hurled stones and torched a security post at the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, setting off a confrontation with guards and prompting the United States to send additional troops to the Middle East. The protests, led by Iranian-backed militias, posed a new foreign policy challenge for US President Donald Trump, who faces re-election in 2020. He threatened to retaliate against Iran. The State Department said diplomatic personnel inside were safe and there were no plans to evacuate them. Embassy guards used stun grenades and tear gas to repel protesters, who stormed and burned the security post at the entrance but did not breach the main compound. The Pentagon said that in addition to Marines sent to protect embassy personnel, about 750 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were being sent to the Middle East and that additional troops were prepared to deploy over the next several days. "This deployment is an appropriate and precautionary action taken in response to increased threat levels against US personnel and facilities, such as we witnessed in Baghdad today," US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the 750 troops would initially be based out of Kuwait. The officials said that as many as 4,000 troops could be sent to the region in the coming days if needed. More than 5,000 US troops are stationed in Iraq supporting local forces. The unprecedented attack on an American diplomatic mission in Iraq marked a sharp escalation of the proxy conflict between the United States and Iran both influential players in the country - and plunged US relations with Iraq to their worst level in years. The United States and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003 and ousted Saddam Hussein. But political stability has been elusive. Trump, on a two-week working vacation in Palm Beach, Florida, spoke by phone to Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi of Iraq. "President Trump emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in Iraq," the White House said. Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the violence. "Iran will be held fully responsible for lives lost, or damage incurred, at any of our facilities. They will pay a very BIG PRICE! This is not a Warning, it is a Threat," Trump said in a tweet. Iran, under severe economic duress from punishing US sanctions put in place by Trump, denied responsibility. "America has the surprising audacity of attributing to Iran the protests of the Iraqi people against (Washington's) savage killing of at least 25 Iraqis," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. The embassy incident came seven years after the 2012 attack by armed militants on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the US ambassador and three other Americans and led to multiple congressional investigations. The protests followed US airstrikes on Sunday on bases operated by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah inside Iraq, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55. The strikes were retaliation for the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, which Washington blamed on Kataib Hezbollah. "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will," Trump said in a tweet. "Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible." Democrats upset that Trump ditched the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2015 were quick to pounce on the incident as a failure of Trump's Iran policy. "The predictable result of the Trump administration’s reckless bluster, escalation, and miscalculation in the Middle East is that we are now hurtling closer to an unauthorized war with Iran that the American people do not support," said US Senator Tom Udall, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The protesters joined briefly by Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia leaders, threw stones at the embassy gate, while others chanted: "No, no, America! No, no, Trump!" Iraqi special forces prevented protesters entering, later reinforced by US-trained Iraqi Counter-Terrorism forces. The embassy has been hit by sporadic but non-lethal rocket fire in recent months, and was regularly shelled following the US-led invasion of 2003, but had not been physically attacked by demonstrators in that way before. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told CBS News that US officials never contemplated evacuating the embassy and had kept the heat on Iraqi officials to ensure the compound was safe. "We reminded them throughout the day of their continued responsibility," he said. The Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella grouping of the militias that have been officially integrated into Iraq's armed forces, said 62 militiamen and civilians were wounded by the tear gas and stun grenades fired to disperse the crowd. A Reuters witness saw blood on the face of one wounded militiaman and on the stomach of the other as their colleagues carried them away. Iraqis have been taking to the streets in the thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons that support Abdul Mahdi's government. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent of the Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the embassy.

Protesters burn security post at US Embassy in Iraq; Pentagon sending additional troops to region

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned U.S. air strikes on bases of Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between the United States and Iran.

Iraq condemns U.S. air strikes as 'unacceptable and dangerous'

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned US&nbsp;airstrikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi militia bases, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The United States military carried out airstrikes on Sunday against the Kataib Hezbollah militia in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, officials said.

Iraqi sources said at least 25 militia fighters were killed and 55 wounded.

"The prime minister described the American attack on the Iraqi armed forces as an unacceptable vicious assault that will have dangerous consequences," his office said.

Tensions have risen between Tehran and Washington - Iraq's two main allies - since last year when President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed forces for attacks on bases in Iraq and said any attacks by Tehran or proxies harming Americans or allies would be "answered with a decisive US response."

Iran denies involvement in attacks on US forces. It condemned the raids as "terrorism".

"This claim without any evidence cannot justify bombing and killing people in violation of international law," said Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei.

The strikes come at a time of protests in Iraq with thousands taking to the streets to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian backers.

They also demand an overhaul of a political system they see as corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty.

About 400 people in Basra protested against the strikes, demonstrating in support of the militias.

'Natural right'

The airstrikes brought threats of reprisal. A leading militia leader vowed revenge against US forces in Iraq.

"Our response will be very tough on the American forces in Iraq," senior commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, said on Sunday.

Mohandes is a senior commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of paramilitary organisations mostly consisting of Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias that was integrated into Iraq's armed forces.

He is also one of Iran's most powerful allies in Iraq and formerly headed Kataib Hezbollah, which he founded.

His threat was met positively by his Iranian backers.

"Taking revenge and responding to this crime are the natural right of Iraqi nation and those groups that defend Iraq," the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which trains some Iraqi militias including Kataib Hezbollah, said.

Iraqi security sources said US forces in northern Iraq were ramping up security.

Iraq's government will announce its official position later on Monday, Abdul Mahdi said.

'Insolent attack'

The PMF bolstered Iraq's security forces during their battle to retake a third of the country from Islamic State.

They were later formally integrated into Iraq's official security structure and wield massive political influence.

Iraq's Fatih alliance, a political bloc representing the militias which holds the second-largest number of seats in parliament, condemned the airstrikes.

Iraq's influential top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani condemned the strikes but his office also denounced the alleged attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US personnel.

He urged Iraqi authorities to prevent such attacks and "ensure Iraq does not become a field for settling regional and international scores and that others do not interfere in its internal affairs."

Proxy war

Abdul Mahdi said his government's policy was to keep Iraq out of regional alliances and away from war.

Any escalation risks Iraq becoming the battlefield for a proxy war between the United States and Iran, which would also ensnare regional allies of both sides.

Lebanon's powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah, backed by Iran, also condemned the airstrikes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he congratulated Pompeo "on the important operation by the United States against Iran and its proxies in the region".

Russia, which like Iran and Hezbollah backs President Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria's civil war, said the strikes were unacceptable and counterproductive. The Syrian government also condemned the strikes.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned US airstrikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi militia bases, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday condemned US airstrikes on Iranian-backed Iraqi militia bases, a move that could plunge Iraq further into the heart of a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran. The United States military carried out airstrikes on Sunday against the Kataib Hezbollah militia in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, officials said. Iraqi sources said at least 25 militia fighters were killed and 55 wounded. "The prime minister described the American attack on the Iraqi armed forces as an unacceptable vicious assault that will have dangerous consequences," his office said. Tensions have risen between Tehran and Washington - Iraq's two main allies - since last year when President Donald Trump pulled out of a 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions. Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed forces for attacks on bases in Iraq and said any attacks by Tehran or proxies harming Americans or allies would be "answered with a decisive US response." Iran denies involvement in attacks on US forces. It condemned the raids as "terrorism". "This claim without any evidence cannot justify bombing and killing people in violation of international law," said Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei. The strikes come at a time of protests in Iraq with thousands taking to the streets to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian backers. They also demand an overhaul of a political system they see as corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. About 400 people in Basra protested against the strikes, demonstrating in support of the militias. 'Natural right' The airstrikes brought threats of reprisal. A leading militia leader vowed revenge against US forces in Iraq. "Our response will be very tough on the American forces in Iraq," senior commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, said on Sunday. Mohandes is a senior commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of paramilitary organisations mostly consisting of Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias that was integrated into Iraq's armed forces. He is also one of Iran's most powerful allies in Iraq and formerly headed Kataib Hezbollah, which he founded. His threat was met positively by his Iranian backers. "Taking revenge and responding to this crime are the natural right of Iraqi nation and those groups that defend Iraq," the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which trains some Iraqi militias including Kataib Hezbollah, said. Iraqi security sources said US forces in northern Iraq were ramping up security. Iraq's government will announce its official position later on Monday, Abdul Mahdi said. 'Insolent attack' The PMF bolstered Iraq's security forces during their battle to retake a third of the country from Islamic State. They were later formally integrated into Iraq's official security structure and wield massive political influence. Iraq's Fatih alliance, a political bloc representing the militias which holds the second-largest number of seats in parliament, condemned the airstrikes. Iraq's influential top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani condemned the strikes but his office also denounced the alleged attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US personnel. He urged Iraqi authorities to prevent such attacks and "ensure Iraq does not become a field for settling regional and international scores and that others do not interfere in its internal affairs." Proxy war Abdul Mahdi said his government's policy was to keep Iraq out of regional alliances and away from war. Any escalation risks Iraq becoming the battlefield for a proxy war between the United States and Iran, which would also ensnare regional allies of both sides. Lebanon's powerful Shi'ite group Hezbollah, backed by Iran, also condemned the airstrikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he congratulated Pompeo "on the important operation by the United States against Iran and its proxies in the region". Russia, which like Iran and Hezbollah backs President Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria's civil war, said the strikes were unacceptable and counterproductive. The Syrian government also condemned the strikes.

Iraq condemns US air strikes as unacceptable and dangerous

A rocket fired from a drone targeted the home of populist Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Saturday, lawmakers from his Saeroon party said, following one of the capital's bloodiest nights in recent weeks.

The drone attack, which caused little damage and left no casualties, followed a deadly attack by armed men near Baghdad's main protest site on Friday night, which left at least 23 dead, police and medical sources said.

Nearly 130 others were wounded by gunfire and stabbings targeting anti-government protesters at the Sinak bridge near Tahrir Square, the sources said. The death toll includes three members of the police.

Thousands of Iraqis have occupied the central square and three nearby bridges which lead to the city's Green Zone, Iraq's political centre, for more than two months, calling for a complete uprooting of the political system.

Friday and Saturday's attacks came days after Iraq's prime minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, said he would resign.

Sadr, a mercurial figure who has supported the protests but not thrown his full weight behind them, was in Iran at the time of the drone attack on his home in the southern holy city of Najaf, a source in his office said.

However, a spokesman for his party said the incidents were aimed at pressuring both protesters and political leaders to accept whichever candidate is nominated for the premiership by the ruling elite.

"The Sinak massacre and the bombing of (Sadr's home) is geared at pushing the acceptance of the candidate for prime minister," said Jaafar Al-Mousawi.

Iranian officials including the powerful commander of its Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, stepped in to prevent Abdul Mahdi's resignation in October, Reuters reported.

Soleimani was reported to be in Baghdad this week, negotiating with political leaders for a new consensus candidate for prime minister.

Masked gunmen

The weekend's developments marked a drastic escalation to quell the demonstrations, the country's largest in decades. More than 430 people have been killed since protests began on October&nbsp;1.

Security sources said they could not identify the gunmen who attacked protesters on Friday night.

The incident was followed by further intimidation early on Saturday morning, as more unknown gunmen drove in a convoy down the main riverside street which leads to Tahrir Square, firing a volley of shots towards it.

The heavily armed, masked gunmen roamed the street near Tahrir Square and attempted to advance onto it but were eventually turned around at a checkpoint manned by Iraq's security forces, witnesses said.

Friday's deadly attack came hours after Washington imposed sanctions on three Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary leaders whom it accused of directing the killing of Iraqi protesters. A senior US&nbsp;Treasury official suggested the sanctions were timed to distance those figures from any role in forming a new government.

Western diplomats condemned the attack on protesters, urging Iraqi authorities to investigate whoever is responsible.

The government has said it would investigate and try those responsible for the violence, but there has been little evidence of real accountability, partly due to the complexity of Iraq's varied security apparatus.

A rocket fired from a drone targeted the home of populist Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Saturday, lawmakers from his Saeroon party said, following one of the capital's bloodiest nights in recent weeks.

A rocket fired from a drone targeted the home of populist Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Saturday, lawmakers from his Saeroon party said, following one of the capital's bloodiest nights in recent weeks. The drone attack, which caused little damage and left no casualties, followed a deadly attack by armed men near Baghdad's main protest site on Friday night, which left at least 23 dead, police and medical sources said. Nearly 130 others were wounded by gunfire and stabbings targeting anti-government protesters at the Sinak bridge near Tahrir Square, the sources said. The death toll includes three members of the police. Thousands of Iraqis have occupied the central square and three nearby bridges which lead to the city's Green Zone, Iraq's political centre, for more than two months, calling for a complete uprooting of the political system. Friday and Saturday's attacks came days after Iraq's prime minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, said he would resign. Sadr, a mercurial figure who has supported the protests but not thrown his full weight behind them, was in Iran at the time of the drone attack on his home in the southern holy city of Najaf, a source in his office said. However, a spokesman for his party said the incidents were aimed at pressuring both protesters and political leaders to accept whichever candidate is nominated for the premiership by the ruling elite. "The Sinak massacre and the bombing of (Sadr's home) is geared at pushing the acceptance of the candidate for prime minister," said Jaafar Al-Mousawi. Iranian officials including the powerful commander of its Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, stepped in to prevent Abdul Mahdi's resignation in October, Reuters reported. Soleimani was reported to be in Baghdad this week, negotiating with political leaders for a new consensus candidate for prime minister. Masked gunmen The weekend's developments marked a drastic escalation to quell the demonstrations, the country's largest in decades. More than 430 people have been killed since protests began on October 1. Security sources said they could not identify the gunmen who attacked protesters on Friday night. The incident was followed by further intimidation early on Saturday morning, as more unknown gunmen drove in a convoy down the main riverside street which leads to Tahrir Square, firing a volley of shots towards it. The heavily armed, masked gunmen roamed the street near Tahrir Square and attempted to advance onto it but were eventually turned around at a checkpoint manned by Iraq's security forces, witnesses said. Friday's deadly attack came hours after Washington imposed sanctions on three Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary leaders whom it accused of directing the killing of Iraqi protesters. A senior US Treasury official suggested the sanctions were timed to distance those figures from any role in forming a new government. Western diplomats condemned the attack on protesters, urging Iraqi authorities to investigate whoever is responsible. The government has said it would investigate and try those responsible for the violence, but there has been little evidence of real accountability, partly due to the complexity of Iraq's varied security apparatus.

Rocket hits Iraqi cleric's home following deadly Baghdad attack

The anti-regime demonstrators remained defiant and continued their protests in Iraq's capital and south on Saturday despite the death toll in the overnight attack on the protesters camp jumping to 23.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-paramilitary-demonstrators-flood-iraqi-protest-camp-266471">unrest in Iraq </a>took another worrying turn on Saturday when an armed drone targeted the home of Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose supporters condemned Friday's attack.&nbsp;

More than 127 anti-government protesters were wounded in the stabbing and firing incident near the Tahrir square in Baghdad, sources said. Three cops were also killed in the incident.

Late on Friday, a group of armed men in pick-up trucks attacked a large building, which is one of the main protest camps, killing 14 people. More than 40 people were wounded on Friday near Baghdad's Al-Sinek bridge.

The violence on&nbsp;Friday has taken the overall death toll past 440 and nearly 20,000 injured, as per an AFP tally&nbsp;compiled from medics, police and a national rights commission.

Young men prayed over an Iraqi flag in central Baghdad for those who lost their lives on the late-night attack on the previous night. The mourners also sobbed heavily, their shoulders shaking. "They fired intensely, mercilessly on the protesters," one witness said.

More join the protests

After Friday's violence, the demonstrators urged support for their movement through social media. Many of the new demonstrators are from&nbsp;Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades), a group&nbsp;headed by Sadr.

Sadr, who earlier backed the current regime, showed his support to the protests. Witnesses said that Sadr's supporters were present in large numbers in the Tahrir square before Saturday morning.&nbsp;

The sources also said that Sadr is in Iran currently, adding only the external wall was damaged in the drone attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dozens of Sadr's supporters gathered around his house after the attack and chanted slogans "we're all your soldiers" while waving Iraqi flags and cleric's picture.

Thousands of demonstrators have occupied Tahrir square and nearby bridges for weeks, demanding a complete change in the current political system.&nbsp;

Tension prevails

Following Saturday's attack, truckloads of armed men blocked the main road near Tahrir square on Saturday, firing weapons and shouting, witnesses said.&nbsp;After this incident, the army personnel were deployed on the street.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;Nasiriyah in south, the usual gathering of massive crowds was observed as the demonstrators expressed solidarity with the victims of the violence on Friday.&nbsp;

Reacting on the attack on the protesters, President Barham Saleh called on authorities to "identify the criminals and bring them to justice".&nbsp;

Over two months have passed since the unrest first began in Iraq which forced Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to resign a week ago.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The anti-regime demonstrators remained defiant and continued their protests in Iraq's capital and south on Saturday despite the death toll in the overnight attack on the protesters camp jumping to 23.

The anti-regime demonstrators remained defiant and continued their protests in Iraq's capital and south on Saturday despite the death toll in the overnight attack on the protesters camp jumping to 23. The unrest in Iraq took another worrying turn on Saturday when an armed drone targeted the home of Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose supporters condemned Friday's attack. More than 127 anti-government protesters were wounded in the stabbing and firing incident near the Tahrir square in Baghdad, sources said. Three cops were also killed in the incident. Late on Friday, a group of armed men in pick-up trucks attacked a large building, which is one of the main protest camps, killing 14 people. More than 40 people were wounded on Friday near Baghdad's Al-Sinek bridge. The violence on Friday has taken the overall death toll past 440 and nearly 20,000 injured, as per an AFP tally compiled from medics, police and a national rights commission. Young men prayed over an Iraqi flag in central Baghdad for those who lost their lives on the late-night attack on the previous night. The mourners also sobbed heavily, their shoulders shaking. "They fired intensely, mercilessly on the protesters," one witness said. More join the protests After Friday's violence, the demonstrators urged support for their movement through social media. Many of the new demonstrators are from Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades), a group headed by Sadr. Sadr, who earlier backed the current regime, showed his support to the protests. Witnesses said that Sadr's supporters were present in large numbers in the Tahrir square before Saturday morning. The sources also said that Sadr is in Iran currently, adding only the external wall was damaged in the drone attack. Dozens of Sadr's supporters gathered around his house after the attack and chanted slogans "we're all your soldiers" while waving Iraqi flags and cleric's picture. Thousands of demonstrators have occupied Tahrir square and nearby bridges for weeks, demanding a complete change in the current political system. Tension prevails Following Saturday's attack, truckloads of armed men blocked the main road near Tahrir square on Saturday, firing weapons and shouting, witnesses said. After this incident, the army personnel were deployed on the street. In Nasiriyah in south, the usual gathering of massive crowds was observed as the demonstrators expressed solidarity with the victims of the violence on Friday. Reacting on the attack on the protesters, President Barham Saleh called on authorities to "identify the criminals and bring them to justice". Over two months have passed since the unrest first began in Iraq which forced Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to resign a week ago. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Iraq: Undeterred protests after 23 die in attack on protesters camp

Protests continues in Iraq, despite Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi announcing his resignation on Friday (November 29).

Violence rages in Iraq despite PM's resignation

Protesters burned tyres and surrounded a police station in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya on Saturday, a Reuters witness said, pressing their demands for sweeping reform despite the prime minister promising to resign.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced his resignation on Friday after a call from the country's top Shia Muslim cleric for the government to step down to end weeks of deadly unrest.

Security forces have used live ammunition, tear gas and stun grenades against protesters for nearly two months, killing more than 400 people including scores in recent days, particularly in Nassiriya.

The city was the scene of the worst violence to hit war-weary Iraq since anti-government protests began in Baghdad on October 1.

The burning by demonstrators of the Iranian consulate in the southern holy city of Najaf on Wednesday escalated unrest and led to Abdul-Mahdi's resignation. In Nassiriya, deadly clashes erupted on Thursday hours after the torching of the Najaf consulate.

Parliament has yet to make Abdul-Mahdi's resignation effective and will convene on Sunday to pass a vote of no confidence in him.

However, Abdul-Mahdi's promise to quit will not satisfy protesters, who are demanding the overhaul of a political system that they say is corrupt and keeping them in poverty and without opportunity.

Many Iraqis fear violence will continue to escalate as angry families mourn dead relatives and the government moves slowly to enact very little reform.

Weeks of political wrangling are expected before a successor to Abdul-Mahdi is picked and a new government formed.

Iraq's semi-official Human Rights Commission said in a statement on Saturday that those responsible for the killings of protesters must be brought to justice and that it would gather evidence for prosecution.

The statement did not acknowledge the prime minister's resignation.

The International Committee of the Red Cross urged a halt to rising casualties.

"Firearms and live ammunition must only be used as a last resort," it said in a statement.

Protesters burned tyres and surrounded a police station in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya on Saturday, a Reuters witness said, pressing their demands for sweeping reform despite the prime minister promising to resign.

Protesters burned tyres and surrounded a police station in the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya on Saturday, a Reuters witness said, pressing their demands for sweeping reform despite the prime minister promising to resign. Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced his resignation on Friday after a call from the country's top Shia Muslim cleric for the government to step down to end weeks of deadly unrest. Security forces have used live ammunition, tear gas and stun grenades against protesters for nearly two months, killing more than 400 people including scores in recent days, particularly in Nassiriya. The city was the scene of the worst violence to hit war-weary Iraq since anti-government protests began in Baghdad on October 1. The burning by demonstrators of the Iranian consulate in the southern holy city of Najaf on Wednesday escalated unrest and led to Abdul-Mahdi's resignation. In Nassiriya, deadly clashes erupted on Thursday hours after the torching of the Najaf consulate. Parliament has yet to make Abdul-Mahdi's resignation effective and will convene on Sunday to pass a vote of no confidence in him. However, Abdul-Mahdi's promise to quit will not satisfy protesters, who are demanding the overhaul of a political system that they say is corrupt and keeping them in poverty and without opportunity. Many Iraqis fear violence will continue to escalate as angry families mourn dead relatives and the government moves slowly to enact very little reform. Weeks of political wrangling are expected before a successor to Abdul-Mahdi is picked and a new government formed. Iraq's semi-official Human Rights Commission said in a statement on Saturday that those responsible for the killings of protesters must be brought to justice and that it would gather evidence for prosecution. The statement did not acknowledge the prime minister's resignation. The International Committee of the Red Cross urged a halt to rising casualties. "Firearms and live ammunition must only be used as a last resort," it said in a statement.

Protesters burn tyres in southern Iraq in renewed anti-government rage

Iraq's embattled premier announced Friday he will resign in keeping with the wishes of the country's top Shia cleric, after nearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-cleric-urges-cabinet-change-as-protesters-regroup-after-crackdown-265258">two months of anti-government protests</a> that have cost more than 400 lives.

Adel Abdul-Mahdi's written statement was greeted with cheers and blaring music across Baghdad's iconic Tahrir (Liberation) Square, where crowds have amassed since early October against a ruling class deemed corrupt and inefficient.

"I will submit to the esteemed parliament a formal letter requesting my resignation from the premiership," Abdul-Mahdi wrote, just hours after Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani called in his weekly sermon on parliament to replace the cabinet.

Watch: Leaked Iranian documents throw light on Iran's role in Iraq

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The sermon set off an avalanche of statements from political figures in support of a no-confidence vote on the government, before the prime minister's announcement.&nbsp;

Celebrations broke out in Tahrir, where young protesters dropped the stones they were preparing to throw at riot police and began dancing, an AFP photographer said.

"It's our first victory, and we're hoping for many more," shouted one demonstrator as the three-wheeled tuk-tuk vehicles used to ferry casualties pumped patriotic music into the square.&nbsp;

"It's also a victory for the martyrs who fell," he said.

The grassroots movement is the largest Iraq has seen in decades but also the deadliest, with more than 400 people dead and 15,000 wounded in the capital and Shia-majority south, according to an AFP tally.

For weeks, Sistani had called for restraint in dealing with demonstrators and urged political parties to get "serious" about reform, but he ramped up demands on Friday.

"The parliament, from which this current government is drawn, is asked to reconsider its choice in this regard," he said in Friday's sermon delivered by a representative.

Within minutes, MP and former premier Haider al-Abadi called on lawmakers to convene Saturday for a "special session for a vote of no-confidence and to form a new independent government".

And the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network, which had backed the government, also appeared to change course.&nbsp;

Its parliamentary bloc, Fatah, called for "the necessary changes in the interests of Iraq".&nbsp;

Bloodshed resumes

The sudden turnaround came after one of the bloodiest days of protests yet, with 44 demonstrators killed and nearly 1,000 wounded on Thursday in Baghdad and across the south.

The bloodshed resumed on Friday, with two protesters shot dead in the flashpoint city of Nasiriyah and another killed in the shrine city of Najaf.

"The increasing numbers of deaths and injuries cannot be tolerated," said the UN's top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

The majority of Thursday's dead fell in Nasiriyah, which counted 26 dead, including two who died Friday from injuries, suffered the previous day.

In renewed rallies Friday in Nasiriyah, demonstrators encircled a police station and set ablaze five police cars.

And in Najaf, a massive funeral procession snaked through the streets carrying coffins of some of the 16 people killed there the previous day.

Clashes erupted there between protesters and armed men dressed in civilian clothes, with volleys of gunfire heard outside political party offices, according to witnesses.&nbsp;

Demonstrators felt emboldened by Sistani's sermon, which was "different than the previous ones", said Ali al-Sunbuli, an activist in Najaf.

The sermon began with a prayer for the protesters who died and then addressed parliament directly, not the cabinet or political parties.

"It's a sign that he doesn't recognise their legitimacy," said Sunbuli.

In Diwaniyah, another hotspot, protester Ahmad al-Badr said that Sistani's speech "was a big push for us".&nbsp;

Turning tides

The unrest in Iraq's south was unleashed after protesters stormed the Iranian consulate in Najaf late Wednesday, accusing the neighbouring country of propping up Iraq's government.

Tehran demanded Iraq take decisive action against the protesters, saying it was "disgusted" by developments.

In response, Abdul-Mahdi ordered military chiefs to deploy in several provinces to "impose security and restore order" -- but chaos reigned instead.

Men in civilian clothes opened fire at demonstrators and tribal fighters deployed in the streets in their defence.

As the death toll climbed late Thursday, the premier sacked the commander he had dispatched to Nasiriyah and the provincial governor based in the city resigned.

Police officers speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP they had received orders Thursday to "finish off" the rallies.&nbsp;

Baghdad and the south have been rocked by the most widespread street unrest since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.&nbsp;

Protesters are seeking an overhaul of the ruling elite, accused of corruption and embezzling state funds in a country scarred by decades of conflict and where infrastructure is failing.

Iraq is OPEC's second-largest crude producer but one in five Iraqis lives in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.&nbsp;

Demonstrators have also called out Iraq's large eastern neighbour Iran, accusing it of political, economic and military overreach.&nbsp;

Top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani last month convinced political factions to back the government, including firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr, who had called on the premier to resign.

But as the tide appeared to turn again, Sadr resurfaced Thursday, saying it would "be the beginning of the end for Iraq" if the government did not step down.

Iraq's embattled premier announced Friday he will resign in keeping with the wishes of the country's top Shia cleric, after nearly two months of anti-government protests that have cost more than 400 lives.

Iraq's embattled premier announced Friday he will resign in keeping with the wishes of the country's top Shia cleric, after nearly two months of anti-government protests that have cost more than 400 lives. Adel Abdul-Mahdi's written statement was greeted with cheers and blaring music across Baghdad's iconic Tahrir (Liberation) Square, where crowds have amassed since early October against a ruling class deemed corrupt and inefficient. "I will submit to the esteemed parliament a formal letter requesting my resignation from the premiership," Abdul-Mahdi wrote, just hours after Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani called in his weekly sermon on parliament to replace the cabinet. Watch: Leaked Iranian documents throw light on Iran's role in Iraq × The sermon set off an avalanche of statements from political figures in support of a no-confidence vote on the government, before the prime minister's announcement. Celebrations broke out in Tahrir, where young protesters dropped the stones they were preparing to throw at riot police and began dancing, an AFP photographer said. "It's our first victory, and we're hoping for many more," shouted one demonstrator as the three-wheeled tuk-tuk vehicles used to ferry casualties pumped patriotic music into the square. "It's also a victory for the martyrs who fell," he said. The grassroots movement is the largest Iraq has seen in decades but also the deadliest, with more than 400 people dead and 15,000 wounded in the capital and Shia-majority south, according to an AFP tally. For weeks, Sistani had called for restraint in dealing with demonstrators and urged political parties to get "serious" about reform, but he ramped up demands on Friday. "The parliament, from which this current government is drawn, is asked to reconsider its choice in this regard," he said in Friday's sermon delivered by a representative. Within minutes, MP and former premier Haider al-Abadi called on lawmakers to convene Saturday for a "special session for a vote of no-confidence and to form a new independent government". And the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network, which had backed the government, also appeared to change course. Its parliamentary bloc, Fatah, called for "the necessary changes in the interests of Iraq". Bloodshed resumes The sudden turnaround came after one of the bloodiest days of protests yet, with 44 demonstrators killed and nearly 1,000 wounded on Thursday in Baghdad and across the south. The bloodshed resumed on Friday, with two protesters shot dead in the flashpoint city of Nasiriyah and another killed in the shrine city of Najaf. "The increasing numbers of deaths and injuries cannot be tolerated," said the UN's top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. The majority of Thursday's dead fell in Nasiriyah, which counted 26 dead, including two who died Friday from injuries, suffered the previous day. In renewed rallies Friday in Nasiriyah, demonstrators encircled a police station and set ablaze five police cars. And in Najaf, a massive funeral procession snaked through the streets carrying coffins of some of the 16 people killed there the previous day. Clashes erupted there between protesters and armed men dressed in civilian clothes, with volleys of gunfire heard outside political party offices, according to witnesses. Demonstrators felt emboldened by Sistani's sermon, which was "different than the previous ones", said Ali al-Sunbuli, an activist in Najaf. The sermon began with a prayer for the protesters who died and then addressed parliament directly, not the cabinet or political parties. "It's a sign that he doesn't recognise their legitimacy," said Sunbuli. In Diwaniyah, another hotspot, protester Ahmad al-Badr said that Sistani's speech "was a big push for us". Turning tides The unrest in Iraq's south was unleashed after protesters stormed the Iranian consulate in Najaf late Wednesday, accusing the neighbouring country of propping up Iraq's government. Tehran demanded Iraq take decisive action against the protesters, saying it was "disgusted" by developments. In response, Abdul-Mahdi ordered military chiefs to deploy in several provinces to "impose security and restore order" -- but chaos reigned instead. Men in civilian clothes opened fire at demonstrators and tribal fighters deployed in the streets in their defence. As the death toll climbed late Thursday, the premier sacked the commander he had dispatched to Nasiriyah and the provincial governor based in the city resigned. Police officers speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP they had received orders Thursday to "finish off" the rallies. Baghdad and the south have been rocked by the most widespread street unrest since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Protesters are seeking an overhaul of the ruling elite, accused of corruption and embezzling state funds in a country scarred by decades of conflict and where infrastructure is failing. Iraq is OPEC's second-largest crude producer but one in five Iraqis lives in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. Demonstrators have also called out Iraq's large eastern neighbour Iran, accusing it of political, economic and military overreach. Top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani last month convinced political factions to back the government, including firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr, who had called on the premier to resign. But as the tide appeared to turn again, Sadr resurfaced Thursday, saying it would "be the beginning of the end for Iraq" if the government did not step down.

After nearly 2-months of anti-government protests, Iraqi PM announces his resignation

Iraqi security forces shot dead 16 protesters in the southern city of Nassiriya on Thursday, medical sources said, and authorities imposed a curfew in Najaf after demonstrators burned its Iranian consulate.

Authorities set up joint military-civilian "crisis cells" to try to stem unrest and a paramilitary commander vowed to use force to stop any attack against Shia Muslim religious authorities.

The torching of the consulate in Najaf, the southern holy city, escalated violence in Iraq after weeks of mass demonstrations that aim to bring down a government seen as corrupt and backed by Tehran.

It was the strongest expression yet of the anti-Iranian sentiment of Iraqi demonstrators as the gulf widens between a largely Iran-aligned ruling elite and an increasingly desperate Iraqi majority with few opportunities and minimal state support.

The inability of Iraq's government and political class to deal with the unrest and answer protesters' demands has fuelled public anger.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has promised electoral and anti-corruption reform but barely begun delivering while security forces have shot dead hundreds of mostly peaceful demonstrators in the streets of Baghdad and southern cities.

The protests, which began in Baghdad on October&nbsp;1 and have spread through southern cities, are the most complex challenge facing the Shi'ite-dominated ruling class that has controlled state institutions and patronage networks since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled long-time Sunni ruler Saddam Hussein.

Young, mostly Shi'ite protesters say politicians are corrupt, beholden to foreign powers - especially Iran - and they blame them for a failure to recover from years of conflict despite relative calm since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017.

Security forces opened fire on protesters who had gathered on a bridge in Nassiriya before dawn, medical sources said. Sixteen were killed and dozens wounded, they said.

A curfew was imposed in Najaf after protesters stormed and set fire to the Iranian consulate late on Wednesday. Businesses and government offices remained closed in the city, state media reported.

"The burning of the consulate last night was a brave act and a reaction from the Iraqi people - we don't want the Iranians," said Ali, a protester in Najaf. "There will be revenge from Iran I'm sure, they're still here and the security forces are going to keep shooting us."

A protester who witnessed the burning of the consulate said security forces had opened fire to try to stop it.

"All the riot police in Najaf and the security forces started shooting at us, as if we were burning Iraq as a whole," he said, declining to give his name.

'Infiltrators and saboteurs'

The military commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of paramilitary groups whose most powerful factions are close to Tehran, said the groups would use full force against anyone trying to attack Iraq's most powerful Shi'ite cleric, who is based in Najaf.

"We will cut the hand of anyone trying to get near (Grand Ayatollah Ali) al-Sistani," commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis said in a statement on the PMF website.

Observers said the events in Najaf would likely bring a tough response, rather than pushing the government into enacting reforms.

"Apart from casual statements ... the government has not announced any plan (or) given any clear account of what measures it will take," said Dhiaa al-Asadi, advisor to powerful populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. "Initiatives are going to be scarce."

Fanar Haddad, the senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute, said the government might use the burning of the Iranian consulate as a pretext for an even more heavy-handed crackdown.

"The downside from the protesters' point of view is this might reinforce the government's narrative that protesters are infiltrators, saboteurs and up to no good," he said.

"It sends a message to Iran but also works to the advantage of people like Muhandis ... (giving) a pretext to clamp down and framing what happened as a threat against Sistani."

Sistani rarely speaks on political issues but traditionally wields enormous influence over public opinion, especially in Iraq's southern Shi'ite heartland. He has used Friday sermons in recent weeks to urge the government to enact real reform and stop killing demonstrators.

Security forces have used live ammunition, tear gas and stun grenades against mostly unarmed protesters. Some demonstrators have lobbed petrol bombs, bricks and fired slingshots at police.

Authorities set up "crisis cells" in several provinces to try to restore order, a military statement said on Thursday. They would be led by provincial governors but include military leaders who would take charge of local security forces.

The violence has killed more than 350 people, according to police and medics.

Iraqi security forces shot dead 16 protesters in the southern city of Nassiriya on Thursday, medical sources said, and authorities imposed a curfew in Najaf after demonstrators burned its Iranian consulate.

Iraqi security forces shot dead 16 protesters in the southern city of Nassiriya on Thursday, medical sources said, and authorities imposed a curfew in Najaf after demonstrators burned its Iranian consulate. Authorities set up joint military-civilian "crisis cells" to try to stem unrest and a paramilitary commander vowed to use force to stop any attack against Shia Muslim religious authorities. The torching of the consulate in Najaf, the southern holy city, escalated violence in Iraq after weeks of mass demonstrations that aim to bring down a government seen as corrupt and backed by Tehran. It was the strongest expression yet of the anti-Iranian sentiment of Iraqi demonstrators as the gulf widens between a largely Iran-aligned ruling elite and an increasingly desperate Iraqi majority with few opportunities and minimal state support. The inability of Iraq's government and political class to deal with the unrest and answer protesters' demands has fuelled public anger. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has promised electoral and anti-corruption reform but barely begun delivering while security forces have shot dead hundreds of mostly peaceful demonstrators in the streets of Baghdad and southern cities. The protests, which began in Baghdad on October 1 and have spread through southern cities, are the most complex challenge facing the Shi'ite-dominated ruling class that has controlled state institutions and patronage networks since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled long-time Sunni ruler Saddam Hussein. Young, mostly Shi'ite protesters say politicians are corrupt, beholden to foreign powers - especially Iran - and they blame them for a failure to recover from years of conflict despite relative calm since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017. Security forces opened fire on protesters who had gathered on a bridge in Nassiriya before dawn, medical sources said. Sixteen were killed and dozens wounded, they said. A curfew was imposed in Najaf after protesters stormed and set fire to the Iranian consulate late on Wednesday. Businesses and government offices remained closed in the city, state media reported. "The burning of the consulate last night was a brave act and a reaction from the Iraqi people - we don't want the Iranians," said Ali, a protester in Najaf. "There will be revenge from Iran I'm sure, they're still here and the security forces are going to keep shooting us." A protester who witnessed the burning of the consulate said security forces had opened fire to try to stop it. "All the riot police in Najaf and the security forces started shooting at us, as if we were burning Iraq as a whole," he said, declining to give his name. 'Infiltrators and saboteurs' The military commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of paramilitary groups whose most powerful factions are close to Tehran, said the groups would use full force against anyone trying to attack Iraq's most powerful Shi'ite cleric, who is based in Najaf. "We will cut the hand of anyone trying to get near (Grand Ayatollah Ali) al-Sistani," commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis said in a statement on the PMF website. Observers said the events in Najaf would likely bring a tough response, rather than pushing the government into enacting reforms. "Apart from casual statements ... the government has not announced any plan (or) given any clear account of what measures it will take," said Dhiaa al-Asadi, advisor to powerful populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. "Initiatives are going to be scarce." Fanar Haddad, the senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute, said the government might use the burning of the Iranian consulate as a pretext for an even more heavy-handed crackdown. "The downside from the protesters' point of view is this might reinforce the government's narrative that protesters are infiltrators, saboteurs and up to no good," he said. "It sends a message to Iran but also works to the advantage of people like Muhandis ... (giving) a pretext to clamp down and framing what happened as a threat against Sistani." Sistani rarely speaks on political issues but traditionally wields enormous influence over public opinion, especially in Iraq's southern Shi'ite heartland. He has used Friday sermons in recent weeks to urge the government to enact real reform and stop killing demonstrators. Security forces have used live ammunition, tear gas and stun grenades against mostly unarmed protesters. Some demonstrators have lobbed petrol bombs, bricks and fired slingshots at police. Authorities set up "crisis cells" in several provinces to try to restore order, a military statement said on Thursday. They would be led by provincial governors but include military leaders who would take charge of local security forces. The violence has killed more than 350 people, according to police and medics.

Iraqi forces kill 16 protesters after Iranian consulate torched

Iraqi security forces killed at least four people on Thursday and wounded more than 50 as they tried to push protesters further back to their main camp in central Baghdad, police and medical sources said.

On Thursday morning, three protesters died after tear gas canisters directly struck them in the head and another died in hospital from wounds from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-demonstrations-flare-as-baghdad-faces-renewed-pressure-261875">stun bomb fired by security forces</a>, the sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-demonstrations-flare-as-baghdad-faces-renewed-pressure-261875">Security forces used live rounds</a>, rubber bullets and fired tear gas canisters in a bid to disperse hundreds of protesters gathered near Tahrir Square, a Reuters cameraman said.

At least half of the wounded protesters had injuries sustained from live ammunition, police and medical sources said.

The others were taken to hospital having choked on tear gas, or were struck by rubber bullets, the sources said.

The square has been the epicentre of the country's anti-government protests for weeks.

Security forces increased use of tear gas, rubber bullets and live fire came after two days of relative calm.

More than 300 people have been killed since the protests in Baghdad and the south of the country started in early October, driven by discontent over economic hardship and corruption.

Demonstrations were also taking place in several locations in southern Iraq. Protesters on late Wednesday set fire to local officials' houses in the town of Gharraf, 25 km (15 miles) north of the southern city of Nassiriya, security sources said.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government has taken some measures to try to quell the unrest, including handouts to the poor and creating more job opportunities for college graduates.

But it has failed to keep up with the growing demands of demonstrators who are now calling for an overhaul of Iraq's sectarian political system and the departure of its entire ruling elite.

The unrest is among the biggest and most complex challenges to the current ruling elite since it took power after the U.S. invasion and the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Since putting down an insurgency by Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education.

Iraqi security forces killed at least four people on Thursday and wounded more than 50 as they tried to push protesters further back to their main camp in central Baghdad, police and medical sources said.

Iraqi security forces killed at least four people on Thursday and wounded more than 50 as they tried to push protesters further back to their main camp in central Baghdad, police and medical sources said. On Thursday morning, three protesters died after tear gas canisters directly struck them in the head and another died in hospital from wounds from a stun bomb fired by security forces, the sources said. Security forces used live rounds, rubber bullets and fired tear gas canisters in a bid to disperse hundreds of protesters gathered near Tahrir Square, a Reuters cameraman said. At least half of the wounded protesters had injuries sustained from live ammunition, police and medical sources said. The others were taken to hospital having choked on tear gas, or were struck by rubber bullets, the sources said. The square has been the epicentre of the country's anti-government protests for weeks. Security forces increased use of tear gas, rubber bullets and live fire came after two days of relative calm. More than 300 people have been killed since the protests in Baghdad and the south of the country started in early October, driven by discontent over economic hardship and corruption. Demonstrations were also taking place in several locations in southern Iraq. Protesters on late Wednesday set fire to local officials' houses in the town of Gharraf, 25 km (15 miles) north of the southern city of Nassiriya, security sources said. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government has taken some measures to try to quell the unrest, including handouts to the poor and creating more job opportunities for college graduates. But it has failed to keep up with the growing demands of demonstrators who are now calling for an overhaul of Iraq's sectarian political system and the departure of its entire ruling elite. The unrest is among the biggest and most complex challenges to the current ruling elite since it took power after the U.S. invasion and the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Since putting down an insurgency by Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education.

Four killed, 52 wounded in Baghdad protests: Police

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-struggle-to-continue-protests-after-deadly-crackdown-by-authorities-261169">crackdown of the Iraqi government</a> and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday.

Iraqi security forces on Monday shot dead two protesters in the city of Nassiriya, bringing to 300 the number of people killed since protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services erupted in Baghdad on October&nbsp;1 and spread to the southern Shi'ite heartlands.

"The Secretary deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq’s crackdown and use of lethal force, as well as the reports of kidnapped protesters," Ortagus said in a statement.

The government has failed to find an answer to the unrest among mostly unemployed young people who see no improvement in their lives even in peacetime after decades of war and sanctions.

"Secretary Pompeo emphasized that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies," Ortagus said and added that Pompeo urged Mahdi to address the protesters’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption.

The unrest is the biggest and most complex challenge to the Iraqi political order since the government declared victory over Islamic State two years ago.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the crackdown of the Iraqi government and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the crackdown of the Iraqi government and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday. Iraqi security forces on Monday shot dead two protesters in the city of Nassiriya, bringing to 300 the number of people killed since protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services erupted in Baghdad on October 1 and spread to the southern Shi'ite heartlands. "The Secretary deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq’s crackdown and use of lethal force, as well as the reports of kidnapped protesters," Ortagus said in a statement. The government has failed to find an answer to the unrest among mostly unemployed young people who see no improvement in their lives even in peacetime after decades of war and sanctions. "Secretary Pompeo emphasized that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies," Ortagus said and added that Pompeo urged Mahdi to address the protesters’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption. The unrest is the biggest and most complex challenge to the Iraqi political order since the government declared victory over Islamic State two years ago.

Pompeo 'deplored' protests' death toll in phone call with Iraqi PM: US State Department

Abandoned building becomes the centre of Iraq's uprising

Iraqi security forces killed at least 14 people in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala overnight after opening fire on protesters, medical and security sources said, in a return to tactics denounced by the government's own internal inquiry.

At least 865 people were wounded, the sources said. Three protesters died in the southern city of Nassiriya from wounds sustained in earlier protests.

Kerbala's health department chief, however, said 122 people were injured, including 66 members of the security forces.

Kerbala's police chief denied in a statement that any protesters had been killed and said only one person had died in an unrelated criminal incident, calling footage of security forces shooting at protesters that went viral on social media fabricated and designed to "incite the street" in the city.

Thousands of Iraqis<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-crackdown-thousands-of-iraqis-keep-protesting-258449"> took to the streets</a> this week in the second wave of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government and a political elite they say are corrupt and out of touch. The total death toll since the unrest started on October&nbsp;1 is now at least 250 people.

The unrest, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iraqs-wave-of-protests-its-roots-and-how-to-begin-fixing-it-258108">driven by discontent</a> over economic hardship and deep-seated corruption, has broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq, which from 2003 to 2017 endured a foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State insurgency.

OPEC member Iraq boasts vast oil wealth, but many Iraqis live in poverty or have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic health care and education. The country is still struggling to recover from years of conflict since 2003.

Many Iraqis blame a political elite they say is subservient to one or another of Baghdad's two main allies, the United States and Iran. They say these powers use Iraq as a proxy to pursue their struggle for regional influence, without concern for the needs of ordinary people.

Despite promising reforms and ordering a broad reshuffle of the cabinet, Abdul Mahdi, whose position is increasingly precarious in the face of the stiffest challenge since he took office a year ago, has so far struggled to address the demonstrators' complaints.

A Reuters correspondent saw a convoy of anti-riot police driving towards Baghdad's central Tahrir Square on Tuesday where protesters, now joined by students, gathered for a fifth day.

A spokesman for Abdul Mahdi said on Sunday that anyone disrupting work or school days would be severely punished.

"They threatened us with our jobs, said they would cut our salaries off if we came, they can keep the salaries! Why all this blood? Why have all these young men lost their lives," said a teacher in Tahrir Square who declined to give her name.

An Iraqi government committee investigating the first wave of unrest, which took place during the first week of October, found that 149 civilians were killed because security forces used excessive force and live fire to quell protests.

Its report, which said more than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the deaths were caused by shots to the head or chest, held senior commanders responsible but stopped short of blaming the prime minister and other top officials, saying there had been no order to shoot.

Authorities committed serious human rights violations and abuses, the United Nations mission in Iraq said.

Protests stopped for two weeks before resuming on October&nbsp;25.

Security forces fired tear gas on Monday at school and university students who defied a warning from Abdul Mahdi and joined thousands in Baghdad protesting against his government.

Soldiers were seen beating high school students with batons in two Baghdad districts. A Defence Ministry statement condemned the incident and said the soldiers did not represent the Iraqi army as a whole. It did not say if they would be punished.

Populist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who backs parliament's largest bloc and helped bring Abdul Mahdi's fragile coalition government to power, called on Monday for early elections after a curfew was announced in Baghdad.

Iraqi security forces killed at least 14 people in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala overnight after opening fire on protesters, medical and security sources said, in a return to tactics denounced by the government's own internal inquiry.

Iraqi security forces killed at least 14 people in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala overnight after opening fire on protesters, medical and security sources said, in a return to tactics denounced by the government's own internal inquiry. At least 865 people were wounded, the sources said. Three protesters died in the southern city of Nassiriya from wounds sustained in earlier protests. Kerbala's health department chief, however, said 122 people were injured, including 66 members of the security forces. Kerbala's police chief denied in a statement that any protesters had been killed and said only one person had died in an unrelated criminal incident, calling footage of security forces shooting at protesters that went viral on social media fabricated and designed to "incite the street" in the city. Thousands of Iraqis took to the streets this week in the second wave of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government and a political elite they say are corrupt and out of touch. The total death toll since the unrest started on October 1 is now at least 250 people. The unrest, driven by discontent over economic hardship and deep-seated corruption, has broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq, which from 2003 to 2017 endured a foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State insurgency. OPEC member Iraq boasts vast oil wealth, but many Iraqis live in poverty or have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic health care and education. The country is still struggling to recover from years of conflict since 2003. Many Iraqis blame a political elite they say is subservient to one or another of Baghdad's two main allies, the United States and Iran. They say these powers use Iraq as a proxy to pursue their struggle for regional influence, without concern for the needs of ordinary people. Despite promising reforms and ordering a broad reshuffle of the cabinet, Abdul Mahdi, whose position is increasingly precarious in the face of the stiffest challenge since he took office a year ago, has so far struggled to address the demonstrators' complaints. A Reuters correspondent saw a convoy of anti-riot police driving towards Baghdad's central Tahrir Square on Tuesday where protesters, now joined by students, gathered for a fifth day. A spokesman for Abdul Mahdi said on Sunday that anyone disrupting work or school days would be severely punished. "They threatened us with our jobs, said they would cut our salaries off if we came, they can keep the salaries! Why all this blood? Why have all these young men lost their lives," said a teacher in Tahrir Square who declined to give her name. An Iraqi government committee investigating the first wave of unrest, which took place during the first week of October, found that 149 civilians were killed because security forces used excessive force and live fire to quell protests. Its report, which said more than 70 per cent of the deaths were caused by shots to the head or chest, held senior commanders responsible but stopped short of blaming the prime minister and other top officials, saying there had been no order to shoot. Authorities committed serious human rights violations and abuses, the United Nations mission in Iraq said. Protests stopped for two weeks before resuming on October 25. Security forces fired tear gas on Monday at school and university students who defied a warning from Abdul Mahdi and joined thousands in Baghdad protesting against his government. Soldiers were seen beating high school students with batons in two Baghdad districts. A Defence Ministry statement condemned the incident and said the soldiers did not represent the Iraqi army as a whole. It did not say if they would be punished. Populist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who backs parliament's largest bloc and helped bring Abdul Mahdi's fragile coalition government to power, called on Monday for early elections after a curfew was announced in Baghdad.

Iraqi security forces open fire on protesters, kill 14

Thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iraqs-wave-of-protests-its-roots-and-how-to-begin-fixing-it-258108">Iraqi protesters</a> stood fast in Baghdad's central Tahrir Square on Sunday, defying a bloody crackdown that killed scores over the weekend and an overnight raid by security forces seeking to disperse them.

Young men had erected barricades on a bridge leading to the capital's fortified Green Zone against security forces who continued to lob tear gas canisters towards them. Medical and security sources said 77 people had been injured.

"We give you our life and blood, Iraq," they chanted.

At least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-iraq-reaches-73-amid-protests-against-government-258336">74 Iraqis were killed</a> on Friday and Saturday and hundreds wounded as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in a second wave of this month's protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government. About 231 people have been killed in October.

Despite the OPEC member country's vast oil wealth, many Iraqis live in poverty or have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic healthcare and education. Iraq is struggling to recover from years of conflict following the US-led invasion in 2003 that overthrew dictator Saddam Hussein.

Iraqis blame a political elite they say is subservient to one or other of Iraq's two main allies, the United States and Iran. Many suspect these powers use Iraq as a proxy to pursue their struggle for regional influence, without concern for the needs of ordinary people.

"I ask you Abdul Mahdi, it's been 16 years and you've done nothing. We're going from bad to worse," said Ma'azir Yas, who had wrapped herself in an Iraqi flag. "This protest is peaceful and the young men only ask for their rights: jobs and services."

Protesters were locked in a cycle on Sunday of advancing deeper into Tahrir Square and towards the Green Zone which houses government buildings, then retreating when the barrage of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-as-protests-linger-in-baghdad-ahead-of-parliament-session-258274"> tear gas </a>canisters became too much.

The smell of the gas was potent in all corners of the square as security forces fired it indiscriminately and directly at protesters, not into the air.

Many used creative ways to defend themselves including one protester who used a satellite dish as a shield. Tuk-tuks swarmed around, carrying injured young men to ambulances.

Young men cleaning up the square said they feared a repeat of Saturday night's crackdown by security forces, when the demonstrations in Tahrir Square were broken up with tear gas and stun grenades. Some protesters have regrouped.

Thousands also gathered in the three southern cities of Nassiriya, Hilla, and the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala.

Protesters set fire to the provincial council building's entrance in Kerbala and security forces used tear gas to disperse them. Police also used tear gas to disperse protesters in Hilla. Sunday's protests in Nassiriya were peaceful.

Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service said on Sunday it had deployed in the streets of Baghdad to protect important state buildings "from undisciplined elements".

Two security sources had told Reuters on Saturday that the Service's forces in Baghdad had been told to "use all necessary measures" to end the protests against Abdul Mahdi's government.

Counter-terrorism forces beat and arrested dozens of protesters in the southern city of Nassiriya on Saturday night.

The unrest has broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq, which from 2003 to 2017 endured a foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State insurgency.

It poses the biggest challenge to Abdul Mahdi since he took office just a year ago. Despite promising reforms and ordering a broad cabinet reshuffle, he has so far struggled to address the protesters' complaints.

Political alliances backing his fragile coalition government have begun to fracture, making his position precarious.

Thousands of Iraqi protesters stood fast in Baghdad's central Tahrir Square on Sunday, defying a bloody crackdown that killed scores over the weekend and an overnight raid by security forces seeking to disperse them.

Thousands of Iraqi protesters stood fast in Baghdad's central Tahrir Square on Sunday, defying a bloody crackdown that killed scores over the weekend and an overnight raid by security forces seeking to disperse them. Young men had erected barricades on a bridge leading to the capital's fortified Green Zone against security forces who continued to lob tear gas canisters towards them. Medical and security sources said 77 people had been injured. "We give you our life and blood, Iraq," they chanted. At least 74 Iraqis were killed on Friday and Saturday and hundreds wounded as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in a second wave of this month's protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government. About 231 people have been killed in October. Despite the OPEC member country's vast oil wealth, many Iraqis live in poverty or have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic healthcare and education. Iraq is struggling to recover from years of conflict following the US-led invasion in 2003 that overthrew dictator Saddam Hussein. Iraqis blame a political elite they say is subservient to one or other of Iraq's two main allies, the United States and Iran. Many suspect these powers use Iraq as a proxy to pursue their struggle for regional influence, without concern for the needs of ordinary people. "I ask you Abdul Mahdi, it's been 16 years and you've done nothing. We're going from bad to worse," said Ma'azir Yas, who had wrapped herself in an Iraqi flag. "This protest is peaceful and the young men only ask for their rights: jobs and services." Protesters were locked in a cycle on Sunday of advancing deeper into Tahrir Square and towards the Green Zone which houses government buildings, then retreating when the barrage of tear gas canisters became too much. The smell of the gas was potent in all corners of the square as security forces fired it indiscriminately and directly at protesters, not into the air. Many used creative ways to defend themselves including one protester who used a satellite dish as a shield. Tuk-tuks swarmed around, carrying injured young men to ambulances. Young men cleaning up the square said they feared a repeat of Saturday night's crackdown by security forces, when the demonstrations in Tahrir Square were broken up with tear gas and stun grenades. Some protesters have regrouped. Thousands also gathered in the three southern cities of Nassiriya, Hilla, and the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala. Protesters set fire to the provincial council building's entrance in Kerbala and security forces used tear gas to disperse them. Police also used tear gas to disperse protesters in Hilla. Sunday's protests in Nassiriya were peaceful. Iraq's elite Counter-Terrorism Service said on Sunday it had deployed in the streets of Baghdad to protect important state buildings "from undisciplined elements". Two security sources had told Reuters on Saturday that the Service's forces in Baghdad had been told to "use all necessary measures" to end the protests against Abdul Mahdi's government. Counter-terrorism forces beat and arrested dozens of protesters in the southern city of Nassiriya on Saturday night. The unrest has broken nearly two years of relative stability in Iraq, which from 2003 to 2017 endured a foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State insurgency. It poses the biggest challenge to Abdul Mahdi since he took office just a year ago. Despite promising reforms and ordering a broad cabinet reshuffle, he has so far struggled to address the protesters' complaints. Political alliances backing his fragile coalition government have begun to fracture, making his position precarious.

Defying crackdown, Iraqis keep protesting at Tahrir Square

6 Iraqis were killed and dozens wounded on Saturday, police and hospital sources said, as demonstrators and security forces clashed in the second day of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government.

Iraq: 6 killed, dozens wounded in anti-government protests

A protester struck in the face by a tear gas canister died in Baghdad on Friday as Iraqi security forces sought to repel demonstrators protesting at corruption and economic hardship, police and medical sources said.

A protester struck in the face by a tear gas canister died in Baghdad on Friday as Iraqi security forces sought to repel demonstrators protesting at corruption and economic hardship, police and medical sources said. The authorities have struggled to address protesters' grievances since sometimes violent unrest erupted in Baghdad on October 1, spreading to southern cities. Demonstrators blame corrupt officials and political elites for failing to improve their lives. At least one protester has died and more than 200 were wounded in the latest disturbances. The unrest has posed the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi since he took office just one year ago. Despite promising reforms and a broad cabinet reshuffle, the premier has so far struggled to address protesters' roiling discontent. Despite the OPEC member country's vast oil wealth, many Iraqis live in poverty, have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic healthcare or decent education as the country tries to recover from years of conflict and economic hardship. In an address late on Thursday night, Abdul Mahdi warned that any collapse of government would drag Iraq into further turmoil. How the government and security forces will handle protests planned for Friday is a litmus test for the stability of the country with political leaders already on edge. Politicians and parties planned to have a stronger presence on Friday, but their interference continued to be roundly rejected by protesters. "Our demands are the resignation of the entire government, the dissolution of all political parties, a good life. We came here in a peaceful protest for this," said Mahmoud al-Shummari, 51, one of thousands who gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square. Hundreds of people, some of whom had camped overnight in the square, made attempts throughout the morning to march towards the city's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies, when they were stopped by security forces. Top cleric urges calm The country's top cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who in recent weeks has criticised the government's handling of the protests, urged calm on all sides during his sermon on Friday. Protesters in Baghdad however were nervous about a repeat of violent confrontations which engulfed the capital and southern provinces just two weeks ago, leaving 149 protesters dead and more than 6,000 wounded. "We got to the Green Zone early this morning," said 28-year-old protester Hussein al-Ojaili. "But we were worried about going past the Iranian embassy because someone said they have snipers." Ojaili said riot forces used stun grenades and fired tear gas and rubber bullets directly at the crowd marching towards the green zone. One protester was killed after he was struck in the face with a tear gas canister, police and medical sources told Reuters. The violence further enflamed protesters, who blame a political elite they view as endemically corrupt for failing to improve their lives. "All we want are four things: jobs; water, electricity, and safety. That's all we want," said 16-year-old Ali Mohammed who had covered his face with a tee-shirt to avoid inhaling tear gas. Mohammed had covered his face with a tee-shirt to avoid inhaling tear gas, as scenes of chaos overwhelmed Tahrir Square. Sirens wailed and tear gas canisters landed in the middle of groups of young protesters who wore Iraqi flags and chanted "with life and blood we defend you Iraq." Tuk-tuks carried injured protesters to nearby hospitals for treatment. Medical sources told Reuters at least 227 people had been treated for injuries, most related to tear gas exposure. A damning report released this week by a government committee set up by Abdul Mahdi concluded the 149 civilians were killed because security forces used excessive force and live fire to quell the protests.

Iraq protesters march towards Baghdad's Green Zone, one killed

Iran-backed&nbsp;militias&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;snipers&nbsp;on Baghdad rooftops during Iraq’s deadliest anti-government&nbsp;protests&nbsp;in years, two&nbsp;Iraqi security officials told Reuters.

The deployment of militia fighters, which has not been previously reported, underscores the chaotic nature of&nbsp;Iraqi politics amid mass&nbsp;protests&nbsp;that led to more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/anti-govt-protests-in-iraq-death-toll-rises-to-100-254028">100 deaths </a>and 6,000 injuries during the week starting October&nbsp;1. Such&nbsp;militias&nbsp;have become a fixture here with&nbsp;Iran's rising influence.

They sometimes operate in conjunction with&nbsp;Iraqi security forces but they retain their own command structures.

The&nbsp;Iraqi security&nbsp;sources&nbsp;told Reuters that the leaders of&nbsp;Iran-aligned&nbsp;militias&nbsp;decided on their own to help put down the mass&nbsp;protests&nbsp;against the government of&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, whose one-year-old administration is&nbsp;backed&nbsp;by powerful&nbsp;Iran-backed&nbsp;armed groups and political factions.

“We have confirmed evidence that the&nbsp;snipers&nbsp;were elements of&nbsp;militias&nbsp;reporting directly to their commander instead of the chief commander of the armed forces,” said one of the&nbsp;Iraqi security&nbsp;sources. “They belong to a group that is very close to the&nbsp;Iranians.”

A second&nbsp;Iraqi security source, who attended daily government security briefings, said militiamen clad in black shot protesters on the third day of unrest when the death toll soared to more than 50 from about half a dozen. The fighters were directed by Abu Zainab al-Lami, head of security for the Hashid, a grouping of mostly Shi’ite Muslim paramilitaries&nbsp;backed&nbsp;by&nbsp;Iran, the second source said. The Hashid leader was tasked with quashing the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;by a group of other senior militia commanders, the source said. The&nbsp;sources&nbsp;did not say how many&nbsp;snipers&nbsp;were&nbsp;deployed&nbsp;by militia groups.

A spokesman for the Hashid, Ahmed al-Assadi, denied the groups took part in the crackdown. “No members were present in the protest areas. None of the elements of the Hashid took part in confronting protesters,” Al-Assadi said in a statement to Reuters.

Iraqi Interior Ministry spokesman Saad Maal said state security forces did not fire directly at protesters and blamed unnamed “vicious” shooters for the mass deaths and injuries. The government has opened an investigation to determine who shot the protesters and who ordered it, Maal said in a news conference on October&nbsp;6.

The assertion that security forces did not participate in the violence seemed to contradict an earlier statement on October&nbsp;14 from the&nbsp;Iraqi government, which admitted state security forces had used excessive force and promised to hold individuals accountable for violence against civilians.

An official with the prime minister’s office said in a statement to Reuters Wednesday that it would be “premature to lay the blame on any parties, whether from Hashid or other security forces before we end the investigation. Let’s wait and see who gave the order ‘shoot to kill.’”

Iran’s role in responding to the demonstrations was another reminder of Tehran’s reach in&nbsp;Iraq, where a sizable number of former militia commanders are now members of parliament and support the&nbsp;Iranian agenda. Stability of the&nbsp;Iraqi government is in the best interests of&nbsp;Iran, which has been steadily amassing influence in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;since 2003 when the US-led invasion toppled the Islamic Republic’s arch-enemy, Saddam Hussein.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is&nbsp;Iraq’s biggest trading partner.

Iran's delegation to the United Nations did not immediately respond Wednesday afternoon to questions from Reuters about its support of&nbsp;militias&nbsp;and their involvement in the violence against protesters. Leaders of&nbsp;militias&nbsp;in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;have denied getting training and weapons from&nbsp;Iran.

As&nbsp;protests&nbsp;entered their third day, on October&nbsp;3,&nbsp;snipers&nbsp;appeared on Baghdad rooftops. A Reuters cameraman who was covering the unrest near Baghdad’s Tahrir Square that afternoon said he saw a sniper, wearing a balaclava and dressed in black as he stood on top of an under-construction building that overlooked the demonstrations.

Protesters fled as the sniper opened fire.&nbsp;One protester who was shot in the head was carried away in a large crowd. Another who was shot in the head appeared to have died and was rushed off in a truck. When his phone rang, a friend recognized that the man’s brother was calling.

“Don’t tell him he died,” the friend said.

The&nbsp;protests&nbsp;started October&nbsp;1 amid public rage over chronic shortages of jobs, electricity and clean water.&nbsp;Iraqis blame politicians and officials for systemic corruption that has prevented&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;from recovering after years of sectarian violence and devastating war to defeat Islamic State.

Any vacuum of power could prove challenging for the region, given that Baghdad is an ally of both the United States and&nbsp;Iran, who are locked in their own political standoff. Thousands of US&nbsp;troops are stationed in the country in positions not far from those of&nbsp;Iran-backed&nbsp;Shi’ite&nbsp;militias.

The second security source told Reuters that the&nbsp;snipers&nbsp;were using radio communications equipment that was provided by&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and is difficult to intercept, giving the groups an essentially private network.

A group of senior commanders from&nbsp;Iran’s Revolutionary Guards travelled to&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;on the second day of the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;and met with&nbsp;Iraqi intelligence and security officials, according to a diplomat in the region familiar with&nbsp;Iran’s decision-making process. After the meeting, senior Revolutionary Guard officers with experience in curbing civil unrest continued to advise the&nbsp;Iraqi government, the diplomat said, although no&nbsp;Iranian soldiers were&nbsp;deployed.

A senior commander of one of the&nbsp;Iran-backed&nbsp;militias&nbsp;- who said his group was not involved in efforts to stop the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;or the resulting violence - said Tehran consulted closely with forces trying to quell the demonstrations.

“After two days, they jumped in and supplied the government and&nbsp;militias&nbsp;with intelligence,” the militia leader told Reuters. “Iranian advisors insisted on having a role and warned us that the ongoing&nbsp;protests, if not reversed, will undermine the government of Abdul Mahdi.”

Iran-backed militias deployed snipers on Baghdad rooftops during Iraq’s deadliest anti-government protests in years, two Iraqi security officials told Reuters. The deployment of militia fighters, which has not been previously reported, underscores the chaotic nature of Iraqi politics amid mass protests that led to more than 100 deaths and 6,000 injuries during the week starting October 1.

Iran-backed militias deployed snipers on Baghdad rooftops during Iraq’s deadliest anti-government protests in years, two Iraqi security officials told Reuters. The deployment of militia fighters, which has not been previously reported, underscores the chaotic nature of Iraqi politics amid mass protests that led to more than 100 deaths and 6,000 injuries during the week starting October 1. Such militias have become a fixture here with Iran's rising influence. They sometimes operate in conjunction with Iraqi security forces but they retain their own command structures. The Iraqi security sources told Reuters that the leaders of Iran-aligned militias decided on their own to help put down the mass protests against the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, whose one-year-old administration is backed by powerful Iran-backed armed groups and political factions. “We have confirmed evidence that the snipers were elements of militias reporting directly to their commander instead of the chief commander of the armed forces,” said one of the Iraqi security sources. “They belong to a group that is very close to the Iranians.” A second Iraqi security source, who attended daily government security briefings, said militiamen clad in black shot protesters on the third day of unrest when the death toll soared to more than 50 from about half a dozen. The fighters were directed by Abu Zainab al-Lami, head of security for the Hashid, a grouping of mostly Shi’ite Muslim paramilitaries backed by Iran, the second source said. The Hashid leader was tasked with quashing the protests by a group of other senior militia commanders, the source said. The sources did not say how many snipers were deployed by militia groups. A spokesman for the Hashid, Ahmed al-Assadi, denied the groups took part in the crackdown. “No members were present in the protest areas. None of the elements of the Hashid took part in confronting protesters,” Al-Assadi said in a statement to Reuters. Iraqi Interior Ministry spokesman Saad Maal said state security forces did not fire directly at protesters and blamed unnamed “vicious” shooters for the mass deaths and injuries. The government has opened an investigation to determine who shot the protesters and who ordered it, Maal said in a news conference on October 6. The assertion that security forces did not participate in the violence seemed to contradict an earlier statement on October 14 from the Iraqi government, which admitted state security forces had used excessive force and promised to hold individuals accountable for violence against civilians. An official with the prime minister’s office said in a statement to Reuters Wednesday that it would be “premature to lay the blame on any parties, whether from Hashid or other security forces before we end the investigation. Let’s wait and see who gave the order ‘shoot to kill.’” Iran’s role in responding to the demonstrations was another reminder of Tehran’s reach in Iraq, where a sizable number of former militia commanders are now members of parliament and support the Iranian agenda. Stability of the Iraqi government is in the best interests of Iran, which has been steadily amassing influence in Iraq since 2003 when the US-led invasion toppled the Islamic Republic’s arch-enemy, Saddam Hussein. Iran is Iraq’s biggest trading partner. Iran's delegation to the United Nations did not immediately respond Wednesday afternoon to questions from Reuters about its support of militias and their involvement in the violence against protesters. Leaders of militias in Iraq have denied getting training and weapons from Iran. As protests entered their third day, on October 3, snipers appeared on Baghdad rooftops. A Reuters cameraman who was covering the unrest near Baghdad’s Tahrir Square that afternoon said he saw a sniper, wearing a balaclava and dressed in black as he stood on top of an under-construction building that overlooked the demonstrations. Protesters fled as the sniper opened fire. One protester who was shot in the head was carried away in a large crowd. Another who was shot in the head appeared to have died and was rushed off in a truck. When his phone rang, a friend recognized that the man’s brother was calling. “Don’t tell him he died,” the friend said. The protests started October 1 amid public rage over chronic shortages of jobs, electricity and clean water. Iraqis blame politicians and officials for systemic corruption that has prevented Iraq from recovering after years of sectarian violence and devastating war to defeat Islamic State. Any vacuum of power could prove challenging for the region, given that Baghdad is an ally of both the United States and Iran, who are locked in their own political standoff. Thousands of US troops are stationed in the country in positions not far from those of Iran-backed Shi’ite militias. The second security source told Reuters that the snipers were using radio communications equipment that was provided by Iran and is difficult to intercept, giving the groups an essentially private network. A group of senior commanders from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards travelled to Iraq on the second day of the protests and met with Iraqi intelligence and security officials, according to a diplomat in the region familiar with Iran’s decision-making process. After the meeting, senior Revolutionary Guard officers with experience in curbing civil unrest continued to advise the Iraqi government, the diplomat said, although no Iranian soldiers were deployed. A senior commander of one of the Iran-backed militias - who said his group was not involved in efforts to stop the protests or the resulting violence - said Tehran consulted closely with forces trying to quell the demonstrations. “After two days, they jumped in and supplied the government and militias with intelligence,” the militia leader told Reuters. “Iranian advisors insisted on having a role and warned us that the ongoing protests, if not reversed, will undermine the government of Abdul Mahdi.”

Iran-backed militias deployed snipers in Iraq protests: Report

Iraq's government issued a second package of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-iran-iraqs-unrest-is-plot-to-undo-bilateral-ties-254423">proposed social reforms </a>on Tuesday in an attempt to meet the demands of anti-government protesters who have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calm-returns-after-iraq-protests-but-political-crisis-remains-254513">demonstrated nationwide for eight days</a>, with the loss of 110 lives and 6,000 wounded.

Protesters demanding the removal of the government and a political class they view as corrupt have clashed with Iraqi security forces, mainly in the capital of Baghdad and the south.

Tuesday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-president-urges-end-to-escalation-after-days-of-deadly-protests-254428">13-point plan issued by Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi </a>centers on subsidies and housing for the poor, as well as training and educational initiatives for unemployed youth.

Following a cabinet meeting, the prime minister posted his reforms on social media, although most Iraqis have been cut off from the internet and social media for several days.

Protests resumed on Monday night in Baghdad's Sadr City district, with at least one of the security forces killed, although much of Iraq appeared quieter than it has been for a week, as politicians sought a way to end the uprising.

Iraqi security forces began arresting protesters after nightfall on Tuesday in eastern and northwestern parts of Baghdad, police sources told Reuters.

Police carried recent photographs of protesters to identify and arrest them. Iraq's semi-official high commission for human rights said about 500 people had been released from the 800 detained last week.

Iraq's military said on Tuesday one member of an Interior Ministry force was killed and four wounded when they came under fire from unknown assailants in Sadr City, where 15 people died the previous night in riots.

In a telephone call with Abdul Madhi, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the violence, urging the government to exercise maximum restraint and take steps to tackle protesters` grievances, the US State Department said late on Tuesday.

The two officials spoke recently, it said in a statement, but did not mention the date.

The violence has been the worst in Iraq since it put down an insurgency by the Sunni Muslim Islamic State group nearly two years ago, and the biggest test for Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year.

The spread of the violence to Sadr City this week could heighten the security challenge. Unrest has historically been hard to put down in the district, home to about a third of Baghdad`s 8 million people, with little electricity or water and few jobs.

Protesters set fire to tires outside the municipal council building and courthouse in Mudhaffar Square, police said, adding that gunfire that targeted the security forces came from a crowd of protesters.

Demonstrators say they have come under attack from members of the security forces using live ammunition. Reuters journalists have witnessed protesters being killed and wounded by snipers firing from rooftops into crowds.

Iraq's military on Tuesday called back into service those officers and soldiers dismissed on suspicions they abandoned cities and towns to an Islamic State onslaught in 2014. 
Parliament, which on Tuesday held its first session since the crisis began, discussed the move and reform plans aimed at pacifying protesters.

Iraq's government issued a second package of proposed social reforms on Tuesday in an attempt to meet the demands of anti-government protesters who have demonstrated nationwide for eight days, with the loss of 110 lives and 6,000 wounded.

Iraq's government issued a second package of proposed social reforms on Tuesday in an attempt to meet the demands of anti-government protesters who have demonstrated nationwide for eight days, with the loss of 110 lives and 6,000 wounded. Protesters demanding the removal of the government and a political class they view as corrupt have clashed with Iraqi security forces, mainly in the capital of Baghdad and the south. Tuesday's 13-point plan issued by Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi centers on subsidies and housing for the poor, as well as training and educational initiatives for unemployed youth. Following a cabinet meeting, the prime minister posted his reforms on social media, although most Iraqis have been cut off from the internet and social media for several days. Protests resumed on Monday night in Baghdad's Sadr City district, with at least one of the security forces killed, although much of Iraq appeared quieter than it has been for a week, as politicians sought a way to end the uprising. Iraqi security forces began arresting protesters after nightfall on Tuesday in eastern and northwestern parts of Baghdad, police sources told Reuters. Police carried recent photographs of protesters to identify and arrest them. Iraq's semi-official high commission for human rights said about 500 people had been released from the 800 detained last week. Iraq's military said on Tuesday one member of an Interior Ministry force was killed and four wounded when they came under fire from unknown assailants in Sadr City, where 15 people died the previous night in riots. In a telephone call with Abdul Madhi, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the violence, urging the government to exercise maximum restraint and take steps to tackle protesters` grievances, the US State Department said late on Tuesday. The two officials spoke recently, it said in a statement, but did not mention the date. The violence has been the worst in Iraq since it put down an insurgency by the Sunni Muslim Islamic State group nearly two years ago, and the biggest test for Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year. The spread of the violence to Sadr City this week could heighten the security challenge. Unrest has historically been hard to put down in the district, home to about a third of Baghdad`s 8 million people, with little electricity or water and few jobs. Protesters set fire to tires outside the municipal council building and courthouse in Mudhaffar Square, police said, adding that gunfire that targeted the security forces came from a crowd of protesters. Demonstrators say they have come under attack from members of the security forces using live ammunition. Reuters journalists have witnessed protesters being killed and wounded by snipers firing from rooftops into crowds. Iraq's military on Tuesday called back into service those officers and soldiers dismissed on suspicions they abandoned cities and towns to an Islamic State onslaught in 2014. Parliament, which on Tuesday held its first session since the crisis began, discussed the move and reform plans aimed at pacifying protesters.

Protests resume in Iraq's Sadr City as uprising enters second week

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