Seven protesters were killed Saturday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clear-protest-sites-as-leaders-reach-deal-to-end-rallies-261074">Iraq as security forces cleared protest sites</a> in Baghdad and Basra after political leaders agreed to stand by the embattled government by any means.

The leaders, sources told AFP, also agreed to put an end to rallies rocking Iraq's capital and its south since October 1 and demanding an overhaul of the political system.&nbsp;

The crackdown began in the morning when security forces wrested back control from demonstrators of three bridges spanning the River Tigris&nbsp;in the heart of Baghdad.&nbsp;

Iraqi forces then moved towards Tahrir (Liberation) Square, ground zero for the month-long movement demanding regime change, firing live rounds and tear gas.

Three demonstrators died from bullet wounds and a fourth when a tear gas canister pierced his skull, medics and police sources told AFP.

"The security forces are getting closer to us, but the protesters are trying to hold them off by burning tires," a doctor in Tahrir told AFP.

"We can hear live-fire now and there are so many wounded."&nbsp;

Three protesters were killed and dozens wounded in the southern city of Basra, medical sources said, as security forces cleared a protest camp outside the provincial government headquarters.

Security forces also rounded up demonstrators in Basra.

And in the revered Shiite holy city of Kerbala, south of Baghdad, the tents of protesters were reduced to ashes when security forces fired searing hot tear gas canisters at them.&nbsp;

'Any means possible'

The bloodshed came after political leaders agreed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-factions-reach-deal-to-save-government-protests-to-end-soon-261015">rally around Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi</a>, whose embattled government was threatened by the largest and deadliest grassroots protests in Iraq in decades.

Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year through a shaky alliance between populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network.

When the protests first erupted in October, Sadr threw his weight behind them while the Hashed backed the government.&nbsp;

But they closed rank around the premier this week after a series of meetings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm.

Soleimani, who often plays a mediating role during times of crisis in Iraq, met Sadr and persuaded him to return to the fold, said a source present at the meetings.&nbsp;

"Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said.&nbsp;

Sadr has since gone silent amid reports he is in Iran.

The source also told AFP Soleimani met Mohammed Ridha Sistani, the son of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

But on Saturday Sistani's office issued a statement denying that cleric "was part of a deal for the current government to stay and the protests to end".&nbsp;

Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms and constitutional amendments if the premier and government stayed in place.

"They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," said a senior member of a party represented at the gathering.

Abdel Mahdi met President Barham Saleh on Saturday for the first time in days. Government sources had told AFP ties between them had been cut after Saleh proposed the premier be replaced.&nbsp;

And on Saturday parliament convened to discuss reform proposals, including hiring drives and increased welfare payouts.

Protesters despair

Meanwhile, the streets around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-retake-key-bridges-from-protesters-report-260956">Tahrir were in chaos</a>.&nbsp;

"The security forces told us the protests are over and everyone should go home," one protester shouted.

"But we put up more barricades so they won't enter Tahrir. Tomorrow, no one goes to work."

Protesters are now on the back foot but still occupy part of Al-Jumhuriyah (Republic) Bridge, the closest to Tahrir.

"Our situation as protesters is not good, but we'll stay until we find a solution," said another protester.

Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer, but one in five people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, the World Bank says.

Those staggering rates sparked the first wave of protests on October 1, and public anger quickly spiralled into calls for the overhaul of the entire ruling system.

Protesters say the current framework allows political parties to dole out government jobs based on affiliation and bribes, choking out independents in a country with a weak private sector.

They are demanding profound reform and constitutional amendments.

Around 300 people have been killed in the protests, according to toll compiled by AFP. The government has stopped issuing figures.

Seven protesters were killed Saturday in Iraq as security forces cleared protest sites in Baghdad and Basra after political leaders agreed to stand by the embattled government by any means.

Seven protesters were killed Saturday in Iraq as security forces cleared protest sites in Baghdad and Basra after political leaders agreed to stand by the embattled government by any means. The leaders, sources told AFP, also agreed to put an end to rallies rocking Iraq's capital and its south since October 1 and demanding an overhaul of the political system. The crackdown began in the morning when security forces wrested back control from demonstrators of three bridges spanning the River Tigris in the heart of Baghdad. Iraqi forces then moved towards Tahrir (Liberation) Square, ground zero for the month-long movement demanding regime change, firing live rounds and tear gas. Three demonstrators died from bullet wounds and a fourth when a tear gas canister pierced his skull, medics and police sources told AFP. "The security forces are getting closer to us, but the protesters are trying to hold them off by burning tires," a doctor in Tahrir told AFP. "We can hear live-fire now and there are so many wounded." Three protesters were killed and dozens wounded in the southern city of Basra, medical sources said, as security forces cleared a protest camp outside the provincial government headquarters. Security forces also rounded up demonstrators in Basra. And in the revered Shiite holy city of Kerbala, south of Baghdad, the tents of protesters were reduced to ashes when security forces fired searing hot tear gas canisters at them. 'Any means possible' The bloodshed came after political leaders agreed to rally around Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, whose embattled government was threatened by the largest and deadliest grassroots protests in Iraq in decades. Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year through a shaky alliance between populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network. When the protests first erupted in October, Sadr threw his weight behind them while the Hashed backed the government. But they closed rank around the premier this week after a series of meetings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm. Soleimani, who often plays a mediating role during times of crisis in Iraq, met Sadr and persuaded him to return to the fold, said a source present at the meetings. "Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said. Sadr has since gone silent amid reports he is in Iran. The source also told AFP Soleimani met Mohammed Ridha Sistani, the son of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani. But on Saturday Sistani's office issued a statement denying that cleric "was part of a deal for the current government to stay and the protests to end". Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms and constitutional amendments if the premier and government stayed in place. "They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," said a senior member of a party represented at the gathering. Abdel Mahdi met President Barham Saleh on Saturday for the first time in days. Government sources had told AFP ties between them had been cut after Saleh proposed the premier be replaced. And on Saturday parliament convened to discuss reform proposals, including hiring drives and increased welfare payouts. Protesters despair Meanwhile, the streets around Tahrir were in chaos. "The security forces told us the protests are over and everyone should go home," one protester shouted. "But we put up more barricades so they won't enter Tahrir. Tomorrow, no one goes to work." Protesters are now on the back foot but still occupy part of Al-Jumhuriyah (Republic) Bridge, the closest to Tahrir. "Our situation as protesters is not good, but we'll stay until we find a solution," said another protester. Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer, but one in five people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, the World Bank says. Those staggering rates sparked the first wave of protests on October 1, and public anger quickly spiralled into calls for the overhaul of the entire ruling system. Protesters say the current framework allows political parties to dole out government jobs based on affiliation and bribes, choking out independents in a country with a weak private sector. They are demanding profound reform and constitutional amendments. Around 300 people have been killed in the protests, according to toll compiled by AFP. The government has stopped issuing figures.

Seven dead in Iraq as security forces clear protest sites

Iraqi forces fired live ammunition Saturday as they pushed towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-factions-reach-deal-to-save-government-protests-to-end-soon-261015">Baghdad's main anti-government protest</a> camp, after political leaders agreed to stand by the cabinet by any means,&nbsp;including force.

Gunfire and steady booms of stun grenades and tear gas rang out as security units approached Tahrir (Liberation) Square, ground zero for the month-long movement demanding regime change.&nbsp;

On Saturday afternoon, AFP correspondents saw people shot in the chest collapse to the pavement before being carried away by tuk-tuks.&nbsp;

"The security forces are getting closer to us, but the protesters are trying to hold them off by burning tires," a doctor in Tahrir told AFP.

"We can hear live-fire now and there are so many wounded."

Earlier, security forces wrested back control of three bridges over the River Tigris&nbsp;in the heart of Baghdad that had been partially occupied by protesters.

In Karbala, a revered Shiite holy city south of the capital, the tents of protesters were reduced to ashes when security forces fired searing hot tear gas canisters at them.&nbsp;

And in the southern city of Basra, security forces cleared a protest camp outside the provincial government headquarters.

Three people were killed and dozens wounded, according to medical sources, and security forces began rounding up demonstrators.&nbsp;

'Any means possible'

The crackdown came after political chiefs agreed to rally around embattled Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, whose government was threatened by the largest and deadliest grassroots protests in Iraq in decades.

Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year through a shaky alliance between populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network.

When the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-retake-key-bridges-from-protesters-report-260956">protests erupted</a>, Sadr threw his weight behind them while the Hashed backed the government.&nbsp;

But they closed rank around the premier this week after a series of meetings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm.

Soleimani, who often plays a mediating role during times of crisis in Iraq, met with Sadr and persuaded him to return to the fold, said a source present at the meetings.&nbsp;

"Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said.&nbsp;

Sadr has since gone silent amid reports he is in Iran.

Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms and constitutional amendments if the premier and government stayed in place.

"They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," said a senior member of one party represented at the gathering.

Abdel Mahdi met President Barham Saleh on Saturday for the first time in days. Government sources had told AFP ties between them had been cut after Saleh proposed the premier be replaced.&nbsp;

Parliament convened Saturday afternoon to discuss reform proposals, including hiring drives and increased welfare payouts.

Protesters despair

Meanwhile, the streets around Tahrir were in chaos.&nbsp;

"The security forces told us the protests are over and everyone should go home," one protester shouted.

"But we put up more barricades so they won't enter Tahrir. Tomorrow, no one goes to work," he vowed.&nbsp;

Protesters are now on the back foot but still occupy part of Al-Jumhuriyah (Republic) Bridge, the southernmost of the capital's bridges and the closest to Tahrir.

"Our situation as protesters is not good, but we'll stay until we find a solution," said another protester, his face wrapped in a black scarf with a white skull. &nbsp;

Public anger erupted last month over widespread corruption and a lack of jobs, then escalated into calls for the entire ruling system to be overturned.

Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer, but one in five people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.

It is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International.

An initial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-top-shiite-cleric-sistani-says-security-forces-must-keep-peace-260801">six-day wave of protests</a> was met with brutal force that left at least 157 dead, according to an official probe, most of them protesters shot dead in Baghdad.

Since protests resumed on October 24, the deaths have nearly doubled to almost 300, according to a toll compiled by AFP as the government has stopped issuing figures.

Iraqi forces fired live ammunition Saturday as they pushed towards Baghdad's main anti-government protest camp, after political leaders agreed to stand by the cabinet by any means, including force.

Iraqi forces fired live ammunition Saturday as they pushed towards Baghdad's main anti-government protest camp, after political leaders agreed to stand by the cabinet by any means, including force. Gunfire and steady booms of stun grenades and tear gas rang out as security units approached Tahrir (Liberation) Square, ground zero for the month-long movement demanding regime change. On Saturday afternoon, AFP correspondents saw people shot in the chest collapse to the pavement before being carried away by tuk-tuks. "The security forces are getting closer to us, but the protesters are trying to hold them off by burning tires," a doctor in Tahrir told AFP. "We can hear live-fire now and there are so many wounded." Earlier, security forces wrested back control of three bridges over the River Tigris in the heart of Baghdad that had been partially occupied by protesters. In Karbala, a revered Shiite holy city south of the capital, the tents of protesters were reduced to ashes when security forces fired searing hot tear gas canisters at them. And in the southern city of Basra, security forces cleared a protest camp outside the provincial government headquarters. Three people were killed and dozens wounded, according to medical sources, and security forces began rounding up demonstrators. 'Any means possible' The crackdown came after political chiefs agreed to rally around embattled Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, whose government was threatened by the largest and deadliest grassroots protests in Iraq in decades. Abdel Mahdi, 77, came to power last year through a shaky alliance between populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Ameri, a leader of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary network. When the protests erupted, Sadr threw his weight behind them while the Hashed backed the government. But they closed rank around the premier this week after a series of meetings led by Major General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's foreign operations arm. Soleimani, who often plays a mediating role during times of crisis in Iraq, met with Sadr and persuaded him to return to the fold, said a source present at the meetings. "Those meetings resulted in an agreement that Abdel Mahdi would remain in office," the source said. Sadr has since gone silent amid reports he is in Iran. Another source said political factions agreed this week to move forward on reforms and constitutional amendments if the premier and government stayed in place. "They agreed to end the protests with any means possible and to reopen the bridges and shuttered streets," said a senior member of one party represented at the gathering. Abdel Mahdi met President Barham Saleh on Saturday for the first time in days. Government sources had told AFP ties between them had been cut after Saleh proposed the premier be replaced. Parliament convened Saturday afternoon to discuss reform proposals, including hiring drives and increased welfare payouts. Protesters despair Meanwhile, the streets around Tahrir were in chaos. "The security forces told us the protests are over and everyone should go home," one protester shouted. "But we put up more barricades so they won't enter Tahrir. Tomorrow, no one goes to work," he vowed. Protesters are now on the back foot but still occupy part of Al-Jumhuriyah (Republic) Bridge, the southernmost of the capital's bridges and the closest to Tahrir. "Our situation as protesters is not good, but we'll stay until we find a solution," said another protester, his face wrapped in a black scarf with a white skull. Public anger erupted last month over widespread corruption and a lack of jobs, then escalated into calls for the entire ruling system to be overturned. Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer, but one in five people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. It is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International. An initial six-day wave of protests was met with brutal force that left at least 157 dead, according to an official probe, most of them protesters shot dead in Baghdad. Since protests resumed on October 24, the deaths have nearly doubled to almost 300, according to a toll compiled by AFP as the government has stopped issuing figures.

Iraq forces clear protest sites as leaders reach deal to end rallies

Several petrol stations in protest-hit Lebanon stopped services Saturday, as reserves ran dry due to a shortage of US dollars to pay suppliers, a syndicate head said.

The shuttering of petrol stations came as demonstrators again took to the street across the country, keeping up their three-week-long movement against a political class regarded as inefficient and corrupt.&nbsp;

"The petrol stations that opened today are the ones that still have reserves. They will close down as soon as supply runs out," said Sami Brax, the head of the Syndicate of Gas Station Owners.

He said if officials do not facilitate access to dollars by Tuesday, "we will be forced to stop imports and close down all petrol stations."

Petrol stations receive payment from customers in Lebanese pounds but have to pay importers and suppliers in dollars.&nbsp;

For two decades, the Lebanese pound has been pegged to the US dollar, with both currencies used interchangeably in daily life.

But banks have been reducing access to dollars since the end of the summer, following fears of a shortage in central bank dollar reserves.

In recent days, banks halted all ATM withdrawals in dollars and severely restricted conversions from Lebanese pounds.

Many Lebanese have had to instead buy dollars from money changers at a higher exchange rate, in what amounts to a de-facto devaluation of the local currency that has sparked price hikes.

The official exchange rate has remained fixed at 1,507 Lebanese pounds to the dollar, but the rate in the parallel market has surpassed 1,800.

"The banks are under pressure from people, both inside Lebanon and abroad," said economist Naseeb Ghabreel, after many rushed to withdraw their dollar savings or convert Lebanese pound accounts.

Since September, petrol station owners have accused banks of failing to provide them with the dollars they need and threatened strikes.&nbsp;

In response, the central bank last month pledged to facilitate access to the greenback for importers of petroleum products, wheat and medicine.

But the measure has not yet gone into effect.&nbsp;

Lebanon has since October 17 witnessed an unprecedented popular uprising against everything from power cuts and poor social security to alleged state corruption.

The government yielded to popular pressure and stepped down last month, with the World Bank urging for the quick formation of a new cabinet to prevent the economy from further deteriorating.

Several petrol stations in protest-hit Lebanon stopped services Saturday, as reserves ran dry due to a shortage of US dollars to pay suppliers, a syndicate head said.

Several petrol stations in protest-hit Lebanon stopped services Saturday, as reserves ran dry due to a shortage of US dollars to pay suppliers, a syndicate head said. The shuttering of petrol stations came as demonstrators again took to the street across the country, keeping up their three-week-long movement against a political class regarded as inefficient and corrupt. "The petrol stations that opened today are the ones that still have reserves. They will close down as soon as supply runs out," said Sami Brax, the head of the Syndicate of Gas Station Owners. He said if officials do not facilitate access to dollars by Tuesday, "we will be forced to stop imports and close down all petrol stations." Petrol stations receive payment from customers in Lebanese pounds but have to pay importers and suppliers in dollars. For two decades, the Lebanese pound has been pegged to the US dollar, with both currencies used interchangeably in daily life. But banks have been reducing access to dollars since the end of the summer, following fears of a shortage in central bank dollar reserves. In recent days, banks halted all ATM withdrawals in dollars and severely restricted conversions from Lebanese pounds. Many Lebanese have had to instead buy dollars from money changers at a higher exchange rate, in what amounts to a de-facto devaluation of the local currency that has sparked price hikes. The official exchange rate has remained fixed at 1,507 Lebanese pounds to the dollar, but the rate in the parallel market has surpassed 1,800. "The banks are under pressure from people, both inside Lebanon and abroad," said economist Naseeb Ghabreel, after many rushed to withdraw their dollar savings or convert Lebanese pound accounts. Since September, petrol station owners have accused banks of failing to provide them with the dollars they need and threatened strikes. In response, the central bank last month pledged to facilitate access to the greenback for importers of petroleum products, wheat and medicine. But the measure has not yet gone into effect. Lebanon has since October 17 witnessed an unprecedented popular uprising against everything from power cuts and poor social security to alleged state corruption. The government yielded to popular pressure and stepped down last month, with the World Bank urging for the quick formation of a new cabinet to prevent the economy from further deteriorating.

Petrol pumps shut down in protest-hit Lebanon over dollar shortage

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-top-shiite-cleric-sistani-says-security-forces-must-keep-peace-260801">top Shi'ite Muslim cleric</a>, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years.

Security forces fired tear gas and threw stun grenades into crowds of protesters wearing helmets and makeshift body armour on the main road in the middle of the Iraqi capital, sending demonstrators scattering, some wounded, Reuters reporters said.

More than 260 people have been killed since the protests over a lack of jobs and services began in Baghdad on Oct. 1 and quickly spread to southern provinces, according to police and medics.

Police, the military and paramilitary groups have used live gunfire against mostly unarmed protesters since the beginning of the unrest.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who only speaks on politics in times of crisis and wields enormous influence over public opinion in Shi'ite-majority Iraq, held security forces accountable for any violent escalation and urged the government to respond as quickly as possible to demonstrators' demands.

"The biggest responsibility is on the security forces," a representative of Sistani said in a sermon after Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala. "They must avoid using excessive force with peaceful protesters."

Protesters, some of whom view Sistani as part of the political and religious system they say is the cause of many Iraqis' misery, took little solace from the cleric's words.

"He says he's supporting protests and that we should keep going but he hasn't helped. The speech won't make a difference either way," said one woman protesting in Baghdad whose son was killed in recent clashes.

"I'm the mother of a student. They took his life," she said, giving her name as Umm al-Shaheed, Arabic for mother of the martyr.

The demonstrators, mostly unemployed youth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-crude-stuck-at-field-for-third-day-as-protests-cut-roads-260728">demand an overhaul of the political system</a> and a corrupt ruling class which has dominated state institutions since the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The violent response from authorities has fuelled public anger. Snipers from Iran-backed militias that have participated in the crackdown were deployed last month, Reuters reported.

Watch video: Iraq protests continue

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Deadly force

Live fire is still being used and even tear gas canisters, fired directly at protesters' bodies instead of being lobbed into crowds, have killed at least 16 people, New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Friday.

Doctors at hospitals have shown Reuters scans of tear gas canisters embedded in the skulls of dead protesters.

Sistani warned against the exploitation of the unrest by "internal and external" forces which he said sought to destabilise Iraq for their own goals. He did not elaborate.

He said those in power must come up with a meaningful response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blocking-police-at-checkpoints-iraqis-revel-in-people-power-260738">the demonstrations</a>.

Handouts for the poor, promises to try corrupt officials and creation of more job opportunities for graduates have failed to placate protesters, whose demands include a new electoral system and the removal of all current political leaders.

The protesters have also rejected foreign interference in Iraq, which has long been caught between its two main allies and bitter rivals the United States and Iran.

Public anger has been directed particularly towards Iran, which supports the parties and paramilitary groups that dominate the Baghdad government and state institutions.

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years.

Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out in Baghdad on Friday despite a call for calm by the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, as authorities grapple with the country's biggest crisis in years. Security forces fired tear gas and threw stun grenades into crowds of protesters wearing helmets and makeshift body armour on the main road in the middle of the Iraqi capital, sending demonstrators scattering, some wounded, Reuters reporters said. More than 260 people have been killed since the protests over a lack of jobs and services began in Baghdad on Oct. 1 and quickly spread to southern provinces, according to police and medics. Police, the military and paramilitary groups have used live gunfire against mostly unarmed protesters since the beginning of the unrest. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who only speaks on politics in times of crisis and wields enormous influence over public opinion in Shi'ite-majority Iraq, held security forces accountable for any violent escalation and urged the government to respond as quickly as possible to demonstrators' demands. "The biggest responsibility is on the security forces," a representative of Sistani said in a sermon after Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala. "They must avoid using excessive force with peaceful protesters." Protesters, some of whom view Sistani as part of the political and religious system they say is the cause of many Iraqis' misery, took little solace from the cleric's words. "He says he's supporting protests and that we should keep going but he hasn't helped. The speech won't make a difference either way," said one woman protesting in Baghdad whose son was killed in recent clashes. "I'm the mother of a student. They took his life," she said, giving her name as Umm al-Shaheed, Arabic for mother of the martyr. The demonstrators, mostly unemployed youth, demand an overhaul of the political system and a corrupt ruling class which has dominated state institutions since the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The violent response from authorities has fuelled public anger. Snipers from Iran-backed militias that have participated in the crackdown were deployed last month, Reuters reported. Watch video: Iraq protests continue Deadly force Live fire is still being used and even tear gas canisters, fired directly at protesters' bodies instead of being lobbed into crowds, have killed at least 16 people, New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Friday. Doctors at hospitals have shown Reuters scans of tear gas canisters embedded in the skulls of dead protesters. Sistani warned against the exploitation of the unrest by "internal and external" forces which he said sought to destabilise Iraq for their own goals. He did not elaborate. He said those in power must come up with a meaningful response to the demonstrations. Handouts for the poor, promises to try corrupt officials and creation of more job opportunities for graduates have failed to placate protesters, whose demands include a new electoral system and the removal of all current political leaders. The protesters have also rejected foreign interference in Iraq, which has long been caught between its two main allies and bitter rivals the United States and Iran. Public anger has been directed particularly towards Iran, which supports the parties and paramilitary groups that dominate the Baghdad government and state institutions.

Fresh clashes erupt in Baghdad despite call for peace by top cleric Sistani

About 90,000 barrels of crude oil meant for export were trapped at a northern Iraq field on Thursday because transport routes were cut by protests, an industry source told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-break-up-protests-in-baghdads-main-bridges-260396">Anti-government demonstrations</a> have rocked Iraq's capital and its south, with sit-ins increasingly targeting main roads and state infrastructure, including oil fields, in OPEC's second-biggest producer.

The Qayyarah field in northern Iraq produces 30,000 barrels per day of crude oil that is trucked to the southern port of Basra to be exported, but sit-ins have sealed off some of those roads.

A senior source at the North Oil Company, which manages the Qayyarah field, told AFP on Thursday that trucks were unable to carry out that journey for a third consecutive day.

"These trucks usually transport the oil daily, but have been unable to do so since Tuesday because of what's happening in Basra," the source said.

"I don't know when it will resume as it depends on the situation stabilising and the roads being reopened."

Iraq is the fifth-largest oil exporter worldwide, sending around 3.4 million bpd out from its Basra port.

A vast majority of that oil is transported across the country via pipeline, and Qayyarah is one of the rare fields that sends its crude by truck.

The government's budget is funded almost exclusively by oil revenues and analysts have said a hit to exports could be "disastrous" for the country.

Despite Iraq's vast oil wealth, one in five people lives in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.

That staggering inequality contributed to the initial wave of anti-government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iraqs-wave-of-protests-its-roots-and-how-to-begin-fixing-it-258108">protests that erupted</a> on October 1.

In the south, protesters this week have shut down the access route to the Dhi Qar oil company and the Shanafiyah refinery in Diwaniyah, according to AFP correspondents.

A sit-in has also cut the road to the Umm Qasr port, which brings in most food and medical imports through Basra, but it reopened on Thursday.

On Wednesday, a spokesman for Iraq's embattled premier Adel Abdel Mahdi said security forces "will not allow" protesters to get near key infrastructure.

About 90,000 barrels of crude oil meant for export were trapped at a northern Iraq field on Thursday because transport routes were cut by protests, an industry source told AFP.

About 90,000 barrels of crude oil meant for export were trapped at a northern Iraq field on Thursday because transport routes were cut by protests, an industry source told AFP. Anti-government demonstrations have rocked Iraq's capital and its south, with sit-ins increasingly targeting main roads and state infrastructure, including oil fields, in OPEC's second-biggest producer. The Qayyarah field in northern Iraq produces 30,000 barrels per day of crude oil that is trucked to the southern port of Basra to be exported, but sit-ins have sealed off some of those roads. A senior source at the North Oil Company, which manages the Qayyarah field, told AFP on Thursday that trucks were unable to carry out that journey for a third consecutive day. "These trucks usually transport the oil daily, but have been unable to do so since Tuesday because of what's happening in Basra," the source said. "I don't know when it will resume as it depends on the situation stabilising and the roads being reopened." Iraq is the fifth-largest oil exporter worldwide, sending around 3.4 million bpd out from its Basra port. A vast majority of that oil is transported across the country via pipeline, and Qayyarah is one of the rare fields that sends its crude by truck. The government's budget is funded almost exclusively by oil revenues and analysts have said a hit to exports could be "disastrous" for the country. Despite Iraq's vast oil wealth, one in five people lives in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. That staggering inequality contributed to the initial wave of anti-government protests that erupted on October 1. In the south, protesters this week have shut down the access route to the Dhi Qar oil company and the Shanafiyah refinery in Diwaniyah, according to AFP correspondents. A sit-in has also cut the road to the Umm Qasr port, which brings in most food and medical imports through Basra, but it reopened on Thursday. On Wednesday, a spokesman for Iraq's embattled premier Adel Abdel Mahdi said security forces "will not allow" protesters to get near key infrastructure.

Iraq crude stuck at field for third day as protests cut roads

Security forces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-roads-to-iraqi-port-demand-end-to-foreign-meddling-259895">killed at least two people</a> when they opened fire on protesters in southern Iraq late on Monday night, police and medical sources said, as thousands continued to take part in the largest wave of anti-government protests for decades.

Security forces killed two people and wounded 12 in Shatra, 45 km&nbsp;north of the southern city of Nasiriya, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head.

The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said.

Separately, at least one protester was killed and 34 others wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr.

The sit-in has halted operations at the port near the oil city of Basra since last Wednesday.

Basra security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm&nbsp;on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary.

More than 250 Iraqis have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-fire-on-baghdad-protesters-after-four-killed-in-karbala-259925">killed in demonstrations</a> since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests.

Monday night's deaths were in addition to at least six protesters killed in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra on Monday.

U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert denounced the violence in a tweet on Monday night.

"Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," she tweeted. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue."

Security forces killed at least two people when they opened fire on protesters in southern Iraq late on Monday night, police and medical sources said, as thousands continued to take part in the largest wave of anti-government protests for decades.

Security forces killed at least two people when they opened fire on protesters in southern Iraq late on Monday night, police and medical sources said, as thousands continued to take part in the largest wave of anti-government protests for decades. Security forces killed two people and wounded 12 in Shatra, 45 km north of the southern city of Nasiriya, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head. The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said. Separately, at least one protester was killed and 34 others wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr. The sit-in has halted operations at the port near the oil city of Basra since last Wednesday. Basra security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary. More than 250 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests. Monday night's deaths were in addition to at least six protesters killed in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra on Monday. U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert denounced the violence in a tweet on Monday night. "Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," she tweeted. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue."

At least three people killed as security forces use live rounds on Iraqi protesters

Thousands of protesters were blocking all roads leading to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-pour-into-streets-for-biggest-protest-day-since-saddam-259373">Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr</a> on Saturday, after security forces used live rounds and tear gas on them overnight, security sources said.

Operations at the port have been at a complete standstill since Wednesday, after protesters first blocked its entrance on Tuesday.

Umm Qasr receives the vast bulk of Iraq's imports of grain, vegetable oils and sugar, needed to feed a country heavily dependent on imported food. Iraq's oil exports take place mostly from nearby offshore platforms which have not been affected.

Trucks carrying goods have been prevented from entering or leaving the port. Some international shipping lines have halted operations because of the port's closure, port officials said.

Protesters on Saturday burned tires and set up concrete blocks, angered by the anti-riot forces' violent attempt to disperse them. At least 30 people were injured, security and medical sources said.

The protests are part of a movement that has brought tens of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lebanese-and-iraqi-protesters-transcend-sectarianism-259248">Iraqis</a> to the streets to demonstrate against corruption and the poor state of public services.

Friday's demonstrations in the capital Baghdad were the biggest anti-government protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. About 5,000 people were demonstrating on Friday in Basra, the nearest big city to the port.

More than 250 people have died in a government crackdown on the unrest since the start of October. Much of the unrest has focused on southern cities in Iraq's Shi'ite heartland, which also includes its main oil-producing areas.

Further disruptions to port operations could cause financial damage to the country and impact the inflow of commodities, port officials said earlier this week. They also said they were holding talks with protesters to allow the port to resume normal operations.

Separately, protesters blocked roads leading to the Majnoon oilfield on Saturday and prevented employees from getting there. Operations were not interrupted, oil sources said.

Thousands of protesters were blocking all roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr on Saturday, after security forces used live rounds and tear gas on them overnight, security sources said.

Thousands of protesters were blocking all roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr on Saturday, after security forces used live rounds and tear gas on them overnight, security sources said. Operations at the port have been at a complete standstill since Wednesday, after protesters first blocked its entrance on Tuesday. Umm Qasr receives the vast bulk of Iraq's imports of grain, vegetable oils and sugar, needed to feed a country heavily dependent on imported food. Iraq's oil exports take place mostly from nearby offshore platforms which have not been affected. Trucks carrying goods have been prevented from entering or leaving the port. Some international shipping lines have halted operations because of the port's closure, port officials said. Protesters on Saturday burned tires and set up concrete blocks, angered by the anti-riot forces' violent attempt to disperse them. At least 30 people were injured, security and medical sources said. The protests are part of a movement that has brought tens of thousands of Iraqis to the streets to demonstrate against corruption and the poor state of public services. Friday's demonstrations in the capital Baghdad were the biggest anti-government protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. About 5,000 people were demonstrating on Friday in Basra, the nearest big city to the port. More than 250 people have died in a government crackdown on the unrest since the start of October. Much of the unrest has focused on southern cities in Iraq's Shi'ite heartland, which also includes its main oil-producing areas. Further disruptions to port operations could cause financial damage to the country and impact the inflow of commodities, port officials said earlier this week. They also said they were holding talks with protesters to allow the port to resume normal operations. Separately, protesters blocked roads leading to the Majnoon oilfield on Saturday and prevented employees from getting there. Operations were not interrupted, oil sources said.

Iraqi protesters and security forces clash, keep Umm Qasr port closed

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

At least 67 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sit-in-put-pressure-on-iraq-government-amid-relentless-protests-258318">Iraqis were killed</a> and hundreds wounded in two days of protests over the weekend, as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in the second wave of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government this month.

Seeking to contain the spiralling violence, on Saturday night Abdul Mahdi ordered members of the country's elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) onto the streets of the capital Baghdad and the southern city of Nasiriya.

They were told to "use all necessary measures" to end the protests, security sources told Reuters.

Around midnight, CTS troops took over checkpoints in neighbourhoods surrounding Baghdad's central Tahrir Square and began corralling protesters out. Security forces firing tear gas had earlier failed to clear the square of demonstrators.

In Nasiriya, CTS soldiers broke up demonstrations by beating and arresting dozens, police and security sources said.

The two cities, where thousands had turned out for the second day of protests, saw the bulk of Saturday's violence as protesters continued to vent their frustration at political elites they say have failed to improve their lives after years of conflict and economic hardship.

Four people were killed after being struck directly in the head by tear gas canisters fired by security forces in Baghdad, with dozens more wounded. Four others died in Nasiriya when a group of protesters stormed the home of a local security official, police said. Guards opened fire after the protesters torched the building, police said.

Seven more people died in Hilla, most when members of the Iranian-backed Badr Organisation militia group opened fire on protesters who had gathered near their office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clamp-down-on-protests-after-bloodshed-258285">At least 52 people were killed</a> around the country on Friday, and more than 2,000 more wounded.

The latest bloodshed was the second major bout of violence this month. Earlier in October, 157 people were killed and more than 6,000 wounded in other clashes between protesters and security forces. 
&nbsp;

Watch - Iraq: At least 40 have been killed in the anti-government protests

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Spiralling Violence

&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-as-protests-linger-in-baghdad-ahead-of-parliament-session-258274">unrest has broken nearly two years of relative stability</a> in Iraq, which from 2003 to 2017 endured a foreign occupation, civil war and an Islamic State (IS) 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' discontent.

Adding more pressure, the parliamentary bloc linked to Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr announced it was going into opposition on Saturday, a big blow to his premiership.

However, Abdul Mahdi's decision to deploy CTS troops was likely to be met with broad support from the country's political elite as well as praise from security forces who said they would not shy away from using force.

Earlier in the day, Iraq's military and Ministry of Interior said that they planned to respond more firmly to protests on Saturday after Friday's heavy death toll.

In Basra, police said protesters who attacked security forces, public and private property would be prosecuted under Iraq's strict counter-terrorism law.

Political leaders also spoke out in support of the security forces' actions over the weekend, while militia leaders signalled their support for a tough stance against protesters, and urged the premier not to back down.

The statements came after another long day of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">violent protests across the country</a>. Although volleys of tear gas were lobbed indiscriminately at protesters on Saturday, many demonstrators expressed relief that security forces had not used live rounds this time.

In Baghdad protesters distributed masks and homemade remedies to protect themselves from the tear gas. Others handed out food and water.

As sirens wailed and tuk-tuks ferried bloodied protesters to hospitals, others expressed outrage at a political establishment so willing to resort to violence.

"Our protests are peaceful, we only have flags and water bottles, but they keep firing bombs at us, firing tear gas at us," said 33-year-old demonstrator Silwan Ali. "What have we done to deserve this? What have we done? The young men who died, what did they do?" he said. 
 
'Stealing from us'

Most of those <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-march-towards-baghdads-green-zone-one-killed-258183">killed on Friday and Saturday were protesters in cities in the south</a>, as demonstrators focussed their anger on politicians and Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia groups.

Members of the powerful Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) militia turned their guns on protesters in both Nasiriya and Amara on Friday, leaving scores dead. AAH also clashed with another powerful militia, one loyal to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Despite a curfew and federal anti-riot forces dispatched from Baghdad, thousands gathered across cities in the south on Saturday, clashing again with militia groups.

Protesters continued to torch the offices of all major political parties, militia groups, and local government buildings. In Nasiriya, they set fire to the governor's house.

"This is not a protest, this is a revolution," said one protester who declined to give his name.

Parliament was set to meet on Saturday in an emergency session to discuss the protesters' demands, but with many politicians keeping a low profile since the protests began it failed to reach a quorum and the session was cancelled.

"The government has been stealing from us for 15 years. Saddam went and 1,000 Saddams have been hiding in the Green Zone," a protester who declined to be named said on Saturday, referring to the former Iraqi dictator.

At least 67 Iraqis were killed and hundreds wounded in two days of protests over the weekend, as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in the second wave of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government this month.

At least 67 Iraqis were killed and hundreds wounded in two days of protests over the weekend, as demonstrators clashed with security forces and militia groups in the second wave of protests against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government this month. Seeking to contain the spiralling violence, on Saturday night Abdul Mahdi ordered members of the country's elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) onto the streets of the capital Baghdad and the southern city of Nasiriya. They were told to "use all necessary measures" to end the protests, security sources told Reuters. Around midnight, CTS troops took over checkpoints in neighbourhoods surrounding Baghdad's central Tahrir Square and began corralling protesters out. Security forces firing tear gas had earlier failed to clear the square of demonstrators. In Nasiriya, CTS soldiers broke up demonstrations by beating and arresting dozens, police and security sources said. The two cities, where thousands had turned out for the second day of protests, saw the bulk of Saturday's violence as protesters continued to vent their frustration at political elites they say have failed to improve their lives after years of conflict and economic hardship. Four people were killed after being struck directly in the head by tear gas canisters fired by security forces in Baghdad, with dozens more wounded. Four others died in Nasiriya when a group of protesters stormed the home of a local security official, police said. Guards opened fire after the protesters torched the building, police said. Seven more people died in Hilla, most when members of the Iranian-backed Badr Organisation militia group opened fire on protesters who had gathered near their office. At least 52 people were killed around the country on Friday, and more than 2,000 more wounded. The latest bloodshed was the second major bout of violence this month. Earlier in October, 157 people were killed and more than 6,000 wounded in other clashes between protesters and security forces. Watch - Iraq: At least 40 have been killed in the anti-government protests Spiralling Violence 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 (IS) 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' discontent. Adding more pressure, the parliamentary bloc linked to Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr announced it was going into opposition on Saturday, a big blow to his premiership. However, Abdul Mahdi's decision to deploy CTS troops was likely to be met with broad support from the country's political elite as well as praise from security forces who said they would not shy away from using force. Earlier in the day, Iraq's military and Ministry of Interior said that they planned to respond more firmly to protests on Saturday after Friday's heavy death toll. In Basra, police said protesters who attacked security forces, public and private property would be prosecuted under Iraq's strict counter-terrorism law. Political leaders also spoke out in support of the security forces' actions over the weekend, while militia leaders signalled their support for a tough stance against protesters, and urged the premier not to back down. The statements came after another long day of violent protests across the country. Although volleys of tear gas were lobbed indiscriminately at protesters on Saturday, many demonstrators expressed relief that security forces had not used live rounds this time. In Baghdad protesters distributed masks and homemade remedies to protect themselves from the tear gas. Others handed out food and water. As sirens wailed and tuk-tuks ferried bloodied protesters to hospitals, others expressed outrage at a political establishment so willing to resort to violence. "Our protests are peaceful, we only have flags and water bottles, but they keep firing bombs at us, firing tear gas at us," said 33-year-old demonstrator Silwan Ali. "What have we done to deserve this? What have we done? The young men who died, what did they do?" he said. 'Stealing from us' Most of those killed on Friday and Saturday were protesters in cities in the south, as demonstrators focussed their anger on politicians and Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia groups. Members of the powerful Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) militia turned their guns on protesters in both Nasiriya and Amara on Friday, leaving scores dead. AAH also clashed with another powerful militia, one loyal to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Despite a curfew and federal anti-riot forces dispatched from Baghdad, thousands gathered across cities in the south on Saturday, clashing again with militia groups. Protesters continued to torch the offices of all major political parties, militia groups, and local government buildings. In Nasiriya, they set fire to the governor's house. "This is not a protest, this is a revolution," said one protester who declined to give his name. Parliament was set to meet on Saturday in an emergency session to discuss the protesters' demands, but with many politicians keeping a low profile since the protests began it failed to reach a quorum and the session was cancelled. "The government has been stealing from us for 15 years. Saddam went and 1,000 Saddams have been hiding in the Green Zone," a protester who declined to be named said on Saturday, referring to the former Iraqi dictator.

Death toll in Iraq reaches 67 amid protests against government

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clamp-down-on-protests-after-bloodshed-258285">persistent mass protests</a> across the country.

Thousands of Iraqis returned to the streets in the capital Baghdad and across the south over the last two days, defying curfews and violence that has leftover 60 dead.

Sadr, a firebrand former militia leader, has thrown his weight behind the protests by demanding the government resign and Iraq hold early parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

Saturday night, members of his Saeroon bloc,&nbsp;parliament's largest with 54 MPs,&nbsp;escalated the situation.

MP Badr al-Zayadi said they had begun an open-ended "sit-in, until the enactment of all reforms the Iraqi people are demanding."

Zayadi told AFP the bloc had sent an "official request" to Iraq's president, who according to the constitution can ask parliament to withdraw confidence from the premier.

The move has put Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi under more pressure than ever as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his government.&nbsp;

He faced relentless protests on Friday despite efforts in Baghdad and across the south to clamp down on them.

Late Saturday, street lights were turned off around Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) square, plunging protesters clinging onto their positions there into darkness.

Witnesses said security forces were unleashing volleys of tear gas to clear the crowds, each canister lighting up the smoke-filled square with flashes of light.&nbsp;

Explosions could be heard from the square well past midnight. 
&nbsp;

Watch: Iraq - At least 40 have been killed in anti-government protests

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Vows of 'revenge'

In the south, rallies continued in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Babylon and Najaf.

They have taken a dangerous new turn in recent days as protesters torched dozens of provincial government buildings and offices tied to the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force.

<a href="wionews.com/world/iraq-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-as-protests-linger-in-baghdad-ahead-of-parliament-session-258274">The latest round of demonstrations</a> has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission.

That has pushed the death toll for so far this month to 220.

Top Hashed commanders have threatened revenge after their offices were attacked, and denounced those they said aimed at sowing "discord and chaos" in the country.

Hashed was founded in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group but its factions have since been ordered to incorporate into the state security services.&nbsp;

"Public anger is directed at them in addition to governorate councils, for they were the obvious face of 'the regime'," wrote Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center.

But the attacks could also hint at political rivalries between the Hashed and Sadr.&nbsp;

"The Sadrists, especially in their traditional strongholds such as Missan, saw this an opportunity to act against competing militias," such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, Hasan said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The United Nations said it was "tragic" to see renewed violence but also warned against "armed spoilers".

"Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," said the UN top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.&nbsp;

'It's enough!'

Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.

About 60 per cent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25.

The staggering rates of joblessness and graft allegations have been at the root of protesters' anger, which the government has struggled to quell.

Abdel Mahdi has proposed a laundry list of reforms, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle.

New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to meet since protests began.

But a scheduled meeting of parliament on Saturday to discuss the latest protests failed to take place due to a lack of a quorum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">Protesters so far have seemed unimpressed</a> by the government's efforts.

"They told people: 'Go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side.

Some protesters have directed some of their anger at Sadr and the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis.&nbsp;

"Sadr, Sistani this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday.

"We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces.&nbsp;

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid persistent mass protests across the country.

The Iraqi government faced more pressure late Saturday from a surprise sit-in by lawmakers linked to populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr amid persistent mass protests across the country. Thousands of Iraqis returned to the streets in the capital Baghdad and across the south over the last two days, defying curfews and violence that has leftover 60 dead. Sadr, a firebrand former militia leader, has thrown his weight behind the protests by demanding the government resign and Iraq hold early parliamentary elections. Saturday night, members of his Saeroon bloc, parliament's largest with 54 MPs, escalated the situation. MP Badr al-Zayadi said they had begun an open-ended "sit-in, until the enactment of all reforms the Iraqi people are demanding." Zayadi told AFP the bloc had sent an "official request" to Iraq's president, who according to the constitution can ask parliament to withdraw confidence from the premier. The move has put Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi under more pressure than ever as Saeroon was one of the two main sponsors of his government. He faced relentless protests on Friday despite efforts in Baghdad and across the south to clamp down on them. Late Saturday, street lights were turned off around Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) square, plunging protesters clinging onto their positions there into darkness. Witnesses said security forces were unleashing volleys of tear gas to clear the crowds, each canister lighting up the smoke-filled square with flashes of light. Explosions could be heard from the square well past midnight. Watch: Iraq - At least 40 have been killed in anti-government protests Vows of 'revenge' In the south, rallies continued in Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Babylon and Najaf. They have taken a dangerous new turn in recent days as protesters torched dozens of provincial government buildings and offices tied to the powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. The latest round of demonstrations has been notably violent, with 63 people killed and more than 2,000 wounded over just two days, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission. That has pushed the death toll for so far this month to 220. Top Hashed commanders have threatened revenge after their offices were attacked, and denounced those they said aimed at sowing "discord and chaos" in the country. Hashed was founded in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group but its factions have since been ordered to incorporate into the state security services. "Public anger is directed at them in addition to governorate councils, for they were the obvious face of 'the regime'," wrote Harith Hasan, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center. But the attacks could also hint at political rivalries between the Hashed and Sadr. "The Sadrists, especially in their traditional strongholds such as Missan, saw this an opportunity to act against competing militias," such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Badr and Kataeb Hezbollah, Hasan said on Twitter. The United Nations said it was "tragic" to see renewed violence but also warned against "armed spoilers". "Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," said the UN top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. 'It's enough!' Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-biggest producer but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. About 60 per cent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25. The staggering rates of joblessness and graft allegations have been at the root of protesters' anger, which the government has struggled to quell. Abdel Mahdi has proposed a laundry list of reforms, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle. New education and health ministers were approved by parliament earlier this month, the only time it was able to meet since protests began. But a scheduled meeting of parliament on Saturday to discuss the latest protests failed to take place due to a lack of a quorum. Protesters so far have seemed unimpressed by the government's efforts. "They told people: 'Go home, we'll give you pensions and come up with a solution'. They tricked us," said one of the rare woman protesters on Saturday, her young son at her side. Some protesters have directed some of their anger at Sadr and the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis. "Sadr, Sistani this is a shame," a protester in Tahrir said on Saturday. "We were hit! It's enough," he said, waving a tear gas canister fired earlier by security forces.

Sit-in puts pressure on Iraq government amid relentless protests

At least 16 people have been killed in violence in Ethiopia this week that began with protests against Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Abiy Ahmed, an Amnesty International researcher said Friday.

"Up to now we have confirmed 16 people dead, but the number must be more than that because new reports are emerging which we have not confirmed," Fisseha Tekle told AFP.

He said the violence had included instances of security forces opening fire on protesters but was increasingly taking the form of ethnic and religious clashes.&nbsp;

"Some people have lost their lives with sticks, with machetes, some houses have been burned. People have been using even bullets and light arms to kill each other, to fight each other," he said.&nbsp;

"I don't have the latest on what happened during the night but there was no sign of decrease."&nbsp;

The violence erupted in Addis Ababa, the capital, and in much of Ethiopia's Oromia region after a high-profile activist accused security forces of trying to orchestrate an attack against him.

The activist, Jawar Mohammed, is a former Abiy ally and member of the prime minister's Oromo ethnic group, the country's largest, who has recently become critical of some of Abiy's policies.&nbsp;

The unrest highlights divisions within the ethnic Oromo support base that swept Abiy to power last year, divisions that could undermine his position ahead of elections planned for May 2020.

At a press conference Thursday, Jawar called for calm while accusing the authorities of stoking instability.

At least six people were killed in the town of Ambo, west of Addis, after security forces opened fire on protesters, Fisseha said.&nbsp;

Ethnic and religious violence has been reported in the towns and cities of Dodola, Harar, Balerobe and Adama.

Ethiopian officials have provided scant information on casualties but did confirm two deaths in Adama earlier this week.

Property belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which some associate with the Amhara ethnic group, has been targeted in multiple locations, Fisseha said.

"Up to now it is people going after the Orthodox Church and that creates a standoff and violence because the followers of the Orthodox defend themselves," Fisseha said.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Orthodox Church issued a call for calm while saying the violence has "resulted in the loss of lives as well as caused damages to properties and mass displacements," according to the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate.&nbsp;

Amnesty called on security forces to use restraint as they work to get the situation under control.&nbsp;

"The fact that protests are not commonly peaceful does not mean they have to use lethal force," Fisseha said.&nbsp;

"It's only as a last resort that lethal force can be used and only to protect the lives of security forces and protect the lives of other people."

At least 16 people have been killed in violence in Ethiopia this week that began with protests against Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Abiy Ahmed, an Amnesty International researcher said Friday.

At least 16 people have been killed in violence in Ethiopia this week that began with protests against Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Abiy Ahmed, an Amnesty International researcher said Friday. "Up to now we have confirmed 16 people dead, but the number must be more than that because new reports are emerging which we have not confirmed," Fisseha Tekle told AFP. He said the violence had included instances of security forces opening fire on protesters but was increasingly taking the form of ethnic and religious clashes. "Some people have lost their lives with sticks, with machetes, some houses have been burned. People have been using even bullets and light arms to kill each other, to fight each other," he said. "I don't have the latest on what happened during the night but there was no sign of decrease." The violence erupted in Addis Ababa, the capital, and in much of Ethiopia's Oromia region after a high-profile activist accused security forces of trying to orchestrate an attack against him. The activist, Jawar Mohammed, is a former Abiy ally and member of the prime minister's Oromo ethnic group, the country's largest, who has recently become critical of some of Abiy's policies. The unrest highlights divisions within the ethnic Oromo support base that swept Abiy to power last year, divisions that could undermine his position ahead of elections planned for May 2020. At a press conference Thursday, Jawar called for calm while accusing the authorities of stoking instability. At least six people were killed in the town of Ambo, west of Addis, after security forces opened fire on protesters, Fisseha said. Ethnic and religious violence has been reported in the towns and cities of Dodola, Harar, Balerobe and Adama. Ethiopian officials have provided scant information on casualties but did confirm two deaths in Adama earlier this week. Property belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which some associate with the Amhara ethnic group, has been targeted in multiple locations, Fisseha said. "Up to now it is people going after the Orthodox Church and that creates a standoff and violence because the followers of the Orthodox defend themselves," Fisseha said. On Thursday, the Orthodox Church issued a call for calm while saying the violence has "resulted in the loss of lives as well as caused damages to properties and mass displacements," according to the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate. Amnesty called on security forces to use restraint as they work to get the situation under control. "The fact that protests are not commonly peaceful does not mean they have to use lethal force," Fisseha said. "It's only as a last resort that lethal force can be used and only to protect the lives of security forces and protect the lives of other people."

At least 16 dead in anti-Abiy protests in Ethiopia: Amnesty

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that he will not resign under pressure from the opposition Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), which intends to launch an anti-government protest named 'Azadi March' later this month.

In a meeting with senior journalists and analysts, Khan said that he sees a conspiracy behind JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman's protest which he said is driven by a certain agenda, reported Geo news.

"There is no question of my resignation and I will not resign. Dharna is agenda-based, and it has foreign support," Khan said at the meeting.

"I don't understand what Maulana's problem is," he added. "I don't understand the agenda of the opposition."

The Azadi March has been announced by the JUI-F chief in a bid to topple the government, which Rehman says came to power through "fake elections".

Meanwhile, the Pakistan government has decided to let the march proceed as long as parameters laid out by courts for lawful protest are not breached, reported Dawn.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that he will not resign under pressure from the opposition Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), which intends to launch an anti-government protest named 'Azadi March' later this month.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that he will not resign under pressure from the opposition Jamiat Ulema-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), which intends to launch an anti-government protest named 'Azadi March' later this month. In a meeting with senior journalists and analysts, Khan said that he sees a conspiracy behind JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman's protest which he said is driven by a certain agenda, reported Geo news. "There is no question of my resignation and I will not resign. Dharna is agenda-based, and it has foreign support," Khan said at the meeting. "I don't understand what Maulana's problem is," he added. "I don't understand the agenda of the opposition." The Azadi March has been announced by the JUI-F chief in a bid to topple the government, which Rehman says came to power through "fake elections". Meanwhile, the Pakistan government has decided to let the march proceed as long as parameters laid out by courts for lawful protest are not breached, reported Dawn.

'Will not resign,' says Imran Khan ahead of anti-government protests

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-lebanon-protestors-ditch-rioting-and-turn-revolution-into-rave-257684">a week of unprecedented protests</a> on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators.

"I am ready to meet your representatives... to hear your demands," he said in a short televised speech, his first since daily street protests began on October 17.

The speech was met with derision at demonstrations in Beirut and other cities.

The protesters have been&nbsp;venting their frustration at daily woes from lack of healthcare to power cuts and calling for the replacement of a political system they say is corrupt and broken.

Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the peaceful rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities.

"The reform paper that was approved will be the first step to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facing-protests-lebanon-approves-emergency-economic-reforms-257484">save Lebanon and remove the spectre of financial and economic collapse</a>," Aoun said.

"It was your first achievement because you helped remove obstacles in front of it and it was adopted in record speed," the president told protesters.

In Lebanon, the president does not control government policy, though Aoun's political party, the majority-Christian&nbsp;Free Patriotic Movement, is a key part of Hariri's governing coalition.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-cabinet-set-for-key-meeting-as-protests-swell-257249">president also echoed calls on the street</a> to stamp out graft.

"Every person who stole public money should be held accountable but it is important their sect doesn't defend him blindly," he said.

Dozens of protesters listening to the speech on loudspeakers outside parliament booed it and resumed their calls for fundamental reform, an AFP correspondent reported.

Among them, Rabah Shahrour said he was fed up with hearing the same speeches for years.

"We were looking for a little hope from him," he said of the president's speech.

"But sadly the president today spoke in generalities. We've been hearing these generalities for three years, and they haven't led to anything."

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after a week of unprecedented protests on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators. "I am ready to meet your representatives.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun broke his silence after a week of unprecedented protests on Thursday, expressing willingness to meet demonstrators. "I am ready to meet your representatives... to hear your demands," he said in a short televised speech, his first since daily street protests began on October 17. The speech was met with derision at demonstrations in Beirut and other cities. The protesters have been venting their frustration at daily woes from lack of healthcare to power cuts and calling for the replacement of a political system they say is corrupt and broken. Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Monday presented a package of reforms, including cutting ministerial salaries, but the peaceful rallies have continued, crippling Beirut and other major cities. "The reform paper that was approved will be the first step to save Lebanon and remove the spectre of financial and economic collapse," Aoun said. "It was your first achievement because you helped remove obstacles in front of it and it was adopted in record speed," the president told protesters. In Lebanon, the president does not control government policy, though Aoun's political party, the majority-Christian Free Patriotic Movement, is a key part of Hariri's governing coalition. The president also echoed calls on the street to stamp out graft. "Every person who stole public money should be held accountable but it is important their sect doesn't defend him blindly," he said. Dozens of protesters listening to the speech on loudspeakers outside parliament booed it and resumed their calls for fundamental reform, an AFP correspondent reported. Among them, Rabah Shahrour said he was fed up with hearing the same speeches for years. "We were looking for a little hope from him," he said of the president's speech. "But sadly the president today spoke in generalities. We've been hearing these generalities for three years, and they haven't led to anything."

Lebanese president says willing to meet protesters

Thousands of people demonstrated on Sunday in Port-au-Prince, demanding that Haiti's President Jovenel Moise step down.

"Jovenel is incapable and incompetent, he must pack his bags because Haiti must live," said one of the protesters, Jean Ronald.

"It is not normal to live in such an unequal country," Ronald added, standing in front of the float of "Prophet Mackenson," a popular and controversial Haitian religious leader.

Mackenson Dorilas, a self-proclaimed "prophet," was sanctioned by the Haitian Ministry of faiths at the end of 2018 after saying he could cure AIDS with a bed bug remedy.

The crowd of his faithful moved through streets of the capital, followed by large groups of demonstrators, praying and chanting slogans against the president.

After repeated demonstrations and barricades regularly mounted by opponents of the president across major roads, many schools have closed their doors for more than a month.

"I put on my uniform today, it is brand new, and the first chance I've had to put it on is in a demonstration," says Nelly Delamet, 19.

"Things have to change: Jovenel is not good."

Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious.

Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent.

Thousands of people demonstrated on Sunday in Port-au-Prince, demanding that Haiti's President Jovenel Moise step down. "Jovenel is incapable and incompetent, he must pack his bags because Haiti must live," said one of the protesters, Jean Ronald.

Thousands of people demonstrated on Sunday in Port-au-Prince, demanding that Haiti's President Jovenel Moise step down. "Jovenel is incapable and incompetent, he must pack his bags because Haiti must live," said one of the protesters, Jean Ronald. "It is not normal to live in such an unequal country," Ronald added, standing in front of the float of "Prophet Mackenson," a popular and controversial Haitian religious leader. Mackenson Dorilas, a self-proclaimed "prophet," was sanctioned by the Haitian Ministry of faiths at the end of 2018 after saying he could cure AIDS with a bed bug remedy. The crowd of his faithful moved through streets of the capital, followed by large groups of demonstrators, praying and chanting slogans against the president. After repeated demonstrations and barricades regularly mounted by opponents of the president across major roads, many schools have closed their doors for more than a month. "I put on my uniform today, it is brand new, and the first chance I've had to put it on is in a demonstration," says Nelly Delamet, 19. "Things have to change: Jovenel is not good." Since coming to power in February 2017, Moise has had to face the anger of an opposition movement that refuses to recognize his victory in an election widely seen as dubious. Anger mounted in late August due to a national fuel shortage, and protests turned violent.

Thousands protest against Haiti's president Moise

Thousands of&nbsp;Haitians&nbsp;packed the&nbsp;streets&nbsp;in Port-Au-Prince on Sunday to call for President Jovenel Moise's resignation,&nbsp;singing&nbsp;and&nbsp;dancing&nbsp;in a carnival-like&nbsp;protest&nbsp;led by artists after weeks of intensifying&nbsp;anti-government&nbsp;demonstrations.

Opposition leaders and their supporters in the nation of 11 million people, the poorest in the Americas, have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protests-erupt-in-haiti-over-fuel-shortage-250321">called for Moise to step down </a>as anger grows over fuel and food shortages, a steep currency devaluation and corruption allegations.

Moise, who has denied wrongdoing, has taken a few public steps to address the grievances, adding to anger at the&nbsp;government. He took office in 2017 and has two years left in his term.

Up to about 10,000 people, including men and women wearing white in a show of solidarity, marched in the capital and its outskirts on Sunday to upbeat music blasting from trucks outfitted with powerful speakers, in a scene reminiscent of Haiti's cherished carnival celebrations.

"We have to change the system. We do not have access to housing, we have nothing to eat ... children cannot go to school," said Michelet, a&nbsp;protester who declined to give his last name. "The cost of living is increasing and Jovenel is not doing anything serious about it."

Port-Au-Prince Mayor Youri Chevry said he was heartened to see artists and musicians spearheading the demonstration.

"They are leading this movement today to help the people find solutions for their long-standing demands," he told a local radio station.

Unlike previous marches in which&nbsp;protesters clashed with police, the day was largely peaceful.

At least 17 people have been killed and 189 injured in the recent stretch of&nbsp;protests, according to Haiti's National Network for the Defense of Human Rights.

Thousands of Haitians packed the streets in Port-Au-Prince on Sunday to call for President Jovenel Moise's resignation, singing and dancing in a carnival-like protest led by artists after weeks of intensifying anti-government demonstrations.

Thousands of Haitians packed the streets in Port-Au-Prince on Sunday to call for President Jovenel Moise's resignation, singing and dancing in a carnival-like protest led by artists after weeks of intensifying anti-government demonstrations. Opposition leaders and their supporters in the nation of 11 million people, the poorest in the Americas, have called for Moise to step down as anger grows over fuel and food shortages, a steep currency devaluation and corruption allegations. Moise, who has denied wrongdoing, has taken a few public steps to address the grievances, adding to anger at the government. He took office in 2017 and has two years left in his term. Up to about 10,000 people, including men and women wearing white in a show of solidarity, marched in the capital and its outskirts on Sunday to upbeat music blasting from trucks outfitted with powerful speakers, in a scene reminiscent of Haiti's cherished carnival celebrations. "We have to change the system. We do not have access to housing, we have nothing to eat ... children cannot go to school," said Michelet, a protester who declined to give his last name. "The cost of living is increasing and Jovenel is not doing anything serious about it." Port-Au-Prince Mayor Youri Chevry said he was heartened to see artists and musicians spearheading the demonstration. "They are leading this movement today to help the people find solutions for their long-standing demands," he told a local radio station. Unlike previous marches in which protesters clashed with police, the day was largely peaceful. At least 17 people have been killed and 189 injured in the recent stretch of protests, according to Haiti's National Network for the Defense of Human Rights.

Haitians flock to streets in anti-government protest

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petrol-bombs-and-tear-gas-rock-hong-kong-as-thousands-defy-mask-ban-254076">Hong Kong protesters</a> on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

The stand-off with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell.

Protesters concealed their faces in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws invoked by the authorities on Friday, which banned face masks. Protesters face a maximum of one year in jail for breaking the mask ban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-in-china-as-hong-kong-democracy-supporter-assaults-mainlander-crowd-chants-go-home-254032">Police made their first arrests under the new rules</a>, detaining scores of people. Officers tied their wrists with cable and unmasked their faces before placing them on buses. Some protesters lay in foetal positions on the ground, their wrists tied behind their backs, after being subdued with pepper spray and batons.

"The anti-mask law just fuels our anger and more will people come on to the street," Lee, a university student wearing a blue mask, said on Sunday, as he marched on Hong Kong island.

"We are not afraid of the new law, we will continue fighting. We will fight for righteousness. I put on the mask to tell the government that I'm not afraid of tyranny."

China's Hong Kong military garrison warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its barracks walls in the city with laser lights. It was the first direct interaction between the PLA and protesters.

Chinese military personnel standing on the roof of the building held up a sign in English and Chinese which read: "Warning. You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted."

The troops in fatigues also shone spotlights on the crowd and used binoculars and cameras to monitor protesters. The protesters eventually dispersed.

In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine “rotation”.

But the PLA has remained in barracks since protests started, leaving Hong Kong’s police force to deal with the massive and often violent protests in the Asian financial hub.

The PLA's top brass has warned violence is "absolutely impermissible".

More violence

Authorities had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-rejects-mask-ban-challenge-as-fresh-protests-break-out-254031">braced for two major protests on Sunday</a>, fearing a recurrence of Friday night's violent protests which saw the Asian financial centre virtually shut down the next day.

Only hours after Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago, mask-wearing protesters took to the streets on Friday, setting subway stations on fire, smashing mainland China banks and clashing with police.

The rallies on Sunday on Hong Kong island and across the harbour in Kowloon had been largely peaceful until police began to try and disperse the crowds, saying they were participating in unlawful assemblies, blocking major roads, and ordered protesters to leave immediately.

Hong Kong's four months of protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades and pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power six years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-goes-quiet-as-subway-shops-close-after-night-of-violence-253957">What started as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has swelled into a pro-democracy movement</a> against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, undermining its "one country, two systems" status promised when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

China dismisses the accusation, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment.

Protesters on Sunday chanted "Hong Kongers, revolt" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong", as riot police monitored them from overhead walkways and footbridges, some taking photographs and filming the marchers.

Protesters handed out face masks to encourage people to defy the ban. As the day wore on protesters started to target subway stations and China banks, just as they did on Friday, which forced the unprecedented closure of the city's metro railway.

A branch of China Construction Bank (Asia) near Prince Edward station was vandalised on Sunday with "No China" sprayed on its wall. Wan Chai station, closed with a neon sign saying serious vandalism, had a protester sheet draped over it which read: "this way to HELL".

Protesters set alight a blaze at the Mong Kok MTR station, with a placard nearby reading: "If we burn, you burn with us".

The current <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-gather-in-mall-to-read-out-declaration-forming-provisional-city-government-253912">"precarious situation"</a>, which endangered public safety, left no timely solution but the anti-mask law, Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's chief secretary, wrote on his blog on Sunday. He urged people to oppose violence ahead of grassroots district council elections set for Nov. 24.

Four months of protests have pushed the Asian financial hub to the brink of its first recession in a decade. Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, the banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well.

"Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations. The stand-off with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell. Protesters concealed their faces in defiance of colonial-era emergency laws invoked by the authorities on Friday, which banned face masks. Protesters face a maximum of one year in jail for breaking the mask ban. Police made their first arrests under the new rules, detaining scores of people. Officers tied their wrists with cable and unmasked their faces before placing them on buses. Some protesters lay in foetal positions on the ground, their wrists tied behind their backs, after being subdued with pepper spray and batons. "The anti-mask law just fuels our anger and more will people come on to the street," Lee, a university student wearing a blue mask, said on Sunday, as he marched on Hong Kong island. "We are not afraid of the new law, we will continue fighting. We will fight for righteousness. I put on the mask to tell the government that I'm not afraid of tyranny." China's Hong Kong military garrison warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its barracks walls in the city with laser lights. It was the first direct interaction between the PLA and protesters. Chinese military personnel standing on the roof of the building held up a sign in English and Chinese which read: "Warning. You are in breach of the law. You may be prosecuted." The troops in fatigues also shone spotlights on the crowd and used binoculars and cameras to monitor protesters. The protesters eventually dispersed. In August, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into Hong Kong in an operation state news agency Xinhua described at the time as a routine “rotation”. But the PLA has remained in barracks since protests started, leaving Hong Kong’s police force to deal with the massive and often violent protests in the Asian financial hub. The PLA's top brass has warned violence is "absolutely impermissible". More violence Authorities had braced for two major protests on Sunday, fearing a recurrence of Friday night's violent protests which saw the Asian financial centre virtually shut down the next day. Only hours after Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam invoked emergency powers last used more than 50 years ago, mask-wearing protesters took to the streets on Friday, setting subway stations on fire, smashing mainland China banks and clashing with police. The rallies on Sunday on Hong Kong island and across the harbour in Kowloon had been largely peaceful until police began to try and disperse the crowds, saying they were participating in unlawful assemblies, blocking major roads, and ordered protesters to leave immediately. Hong Kong's four months of protests have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades and pose the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power six years ago. What started as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has swelled into a pro-democracy movement against what is seen as Beijing's increasing grip on the city, undermining its "one country, two systems" status promised when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997. China dismisses the accusation, saying foreign governments, including Britain and the United States, have fanned anti-China sentiment. Protesters on Sunday chanted "Hong Kongers, revolt" and "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong", as riot police monitored them from overhead walkways and footbridges, some taking photographs and filming the marchers. Protesters handed out face masks to encourage people to defy the ban. As the day wore on protesters started to target subway stations and China banks, just as they did on Friday, which forced the unprecedented closure of the city's metro railway. A branch of China Construction Bank (Asia) near Prince Edward station was vandalised on Sunday with "No China" sprayed on its wall. Wan Chai station, closed with a neon sign saying serious vandalism, had a protester sheet draped over it which read: "this way to HELL". Protesters set alight a blaze at the Mong Kok MTR station, with a placard nearby reading: "If we burn, you burn with us". The current "precarious situation", which endangered public safety, left no timely solution but the anti-mask law, Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's chief secretary, wrote on his blog on Sunday. He urged people to oppose violence ahead of grassroots district council elections set for Nov. 24. Four months of protests have pushed the Asian financial hub to the brink of its first recession in a decade. Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog on Sunday said despite recent obstacles, the banking system remained sound and the financial market was functioning well. "Hong Kong will not implement foreign exchange controls. The Hong Kong dollar can be exchanged freely and capital can come in and out freely. This is the solemn guarantee of the Basic Law," said Chan.

Chinese soldiers in Hong Kong warn protesters as emergency rules fail to quell unrest