Iraqi soccer team supporters gathered in Baghdad amid anti-government protests. Thousands of Iraqi fans waved their national flags and cheered outside a sports stadium in Amman on Thursday ahead of a soccer match between the Iraqi national football team and its Iranian counterpart.

Iraqi soccer team supporters gathered in Baghdad amid anti-government protests

Anti-government rallies swelled in Iraq's capital and south Wednesday as Baghdad faced new pressure from both the street and the United Nations to respond seriously to weeks of demonstrations.&nbsp;

Protests demanding a new leadership have rocked the capital and Shiite-majority south for weeks, the crowds undeterred by government pledges of reform and the deaths of more than 300 people.

They dimmed for a few days following a deadly crackdown by security forces in Baghdad and major southern cities but flared again Wednesday with demonstrations by striking students and teachers.

"We're here to back the protesters and their legitimate demands, which include teachers' rights," said Aqeel Atshan, a professor on strike in Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) Square, the epicentre of the protest movement.

In the southern port city of Basra, around 800 students returned to camp outside the provincial government headquarters days after they had been pushed out by riot police.

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Schools were also shut in the protest hotspots of Diwaniyah and Nasiriyah.

Protesters have felt revived after the country's top Shiite religious authority Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani said they "cannot go home without sufficient reforms".

"Students, boys and girls alike, are all here for a sit-in," another demonstrator in Tahrir told AFP.

"If Sistani gave the orders for mass civil disobedience, everything would close -- the government, the oil companies, everything. That's how we'll have a solution."

Sadr changes tune?

Iraq's parliament will meet on Wednesday afternoon to hear from the head of the United Nations' mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

She will address the main political blocs and brief lawmakers on her meeting with Sistani, who in a significant move backed a UN roadmap out of the crisis.

Hennis-Plasschaert's proposal calls for an immediate end to violence, electoral reform and anti-graft measures within two weeks followed by constitutional amendments and infrastructure legislation within three months.

Oil-rich Iraq is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International, and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent.

Demonstrations erupted on October 1 in fury over a lack of jobs and corruption, initially fracturing the ruling class.

Populist cleric Moqtada Sadr called on the government to resign and President Barham Saleh suggested early elections, while other factions stood by Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi.&nbsp;

But after a series of meetings led by Iran's influential Major General Qasem Soleimani, a consensus emerged at the weekend over the government remaining intact and both Saleh and Sadr appear to have changed their tunes.

Sadr, who is reported to be in Iran, took to Twitter on Wednesday to call on parliament to enact reforms and for "a general strike, even for one day," but did not demand the premier step down.

Saleh, too, appears to have dropped the idea of early elections.&nbsp;

'Deplored death toll'

The agreement brokered by Soleimani appeared to pave the way for a crackdown on demonstrations over the weekend that sent the death toll from protests to well over 300.

Iraq has faced growing criticism over its response to rallies, with rights defenders accusing authorities of shooting live rounds at protesters and curtailing freedom of expression with an internet blackout and mass arrests.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he spoke to Abdel Mahdi by phone late Tuesday and "deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq's crackdown and use of lethal force".&nbsp;

"I called on him to protect the protesters and to address their legitimate grievances," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

Also on Wednesday, the president of Iraqi Kurdistan, Nechirvan Barzani, was in Baghdad to meet with the premier, president and speaker of parliament.&nbsp;

Barzani and Abdel Mahdi are believed to have good personal ties, and the Iraqi Kurdish authorities have backed the current government.&nbsp;

But they have worried that any amendments to Iraq's 2005 constitution as part of a reform process would infringe on Kurdish rights.

Anti-government rallies swelled in Iraq's capital and south Wednesday as Baghdad faced new pressure from both the street and the United Nations to respond seriously to weeks of demonstrations.

Anti-government rallies swelled in Iraq's capital and south Wednesday as Baghdad faced new pressure from both the street and the United Nations to respond seriously to weeks of demonstrations. Protests demanding a new leadership have rocked the capital and Shiite-majority south for weeks, the crowds undeterred by government pledges of reform and the deaths of more than 300 people. They dimmed for a few days following a deadly crackdown by security forces in Baghdad and major southern cities but flared again Wednesday with demonstrations by striking students and teachers. "We're here to back the protesters and their legitimate demands, which include teachers' rights," said Aqeel Atshan, a professor on strike in Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) Square, the epicentre of the protest movement. In the southern port city of Basra, around 800 students returned to camp outside the provincial government headquarters days after they had been pushed out by riot police. × Schools were also shut in the protest hotspots of Diwaniyah and Nasiriyah. Protesters have felt revived after the country's top Shiite religious authority Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani said they "cannot go home without sufficient reforms". "Students, boys and girls alike, are all here for a sit-in," another demonstrator in Tahrir told AFP. "If Sistani gave the orders for mass civil disobedience, everything would close -- the government, the oil companies, everything. That's how we'll have a solution." Sadr changes tune? Iraq's parliament will meet on Wednesday afternoon to hear from the head of the United Nations' mission in Iraq (UNAMI), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. She will address the main political blocs and brief lawmakers on her meeting with Sistani, who in a significant move backed a UN roadmap out of the crisis. Hennis-Plasschaert's proposal calls for an immediate end to violence, electoral reform and anti-graft measures within two weeks followed by constitutional amendments and infrastructure legislation within three months. Oil-rich Iraq is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International, and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent. Demonstrations erupted on October 1 in fury over a lack of jobs and corruption, initially fracturing the ruling class. Populist cleric Moqtada Sadr called on the government to resign and President Barham Saleh suggested early elections, while other factions stood by Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. But after a series of meetings led by Iran's influential Major General Qasem Soleimani, a consensus emerged at the weekend over the government remaining intact and both Saleh and Sadr appear to have changed their tunes. Sadr, who is reported to be in Iran, took to Twitter on Wednesday to call on parliament to enact reforms and for "a general strike, even for one day," but did not demand the premier step down. Saleh, too, appears to have dropped the idea of early elections. 'Deplored death toll' The agreement brokered by Soleimani appeared to pave the way for a crackdown on demonstrations over the weekend that sent the death toll from protests to well over 300. Iraq has faced growing criticism over its response to rallies, with rights defenders accusing authorities of shooting live rounds at protesters and curtailing freedom of expression with an internet blackout and mass arrests. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he spoke to Abdel Mahdi by phone late Tuesday and "deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq's crackdown and use of lethal force". "I called on him to protect the protesters and to address their legitimate grievances," Pompeo said. Also on Wednesday, the president of Iraqi Kurdistan, Nechirvan Barzani, was in Baghdad to meet with the premier, president and speaker of parliament. Barzani and Abdel Mahdi are believed to have good personal ties, and the Iraqi Kurdish authorities have backed the current government. But they have worried that any amendments to Iraq's 2005 constitution as part of a reform process would infringe on Kurdish rights.

Iraq demonstrations flare as Baghdad faces renewed pressure

"I'm sorry, I can't let you through without orders," said the Iraqi civilian manning the makeshift checkpoint, smirking at the befuddled policeman he had waved down in the capital Baghdad.

After a month of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-break-up-protests-in-baghdads-main-bridges-260396">defying official curfews</a> and road closures to protest, Iraqis have flipped the rule book.

One recent evening, police officers erected a row of concrete t-walls on the same street, sealing off access to Tahrir Square, ground zero for protests in the capital.

Demonstrators, one riding a motorised red rickshaw known as a tuk-tuk, sprung into action, chasing down the police.

The tuk-tuk came to a screeching halt in front of the truck, blocking its exit as young Iraqi men pressured officers to reopen the road to Tahrir.

Improbably, the officers relented, and the enormous truck reversed up the road to lift the barriers as the victorious tuk-tuk followed.

Protesters swiftly hung a sign nearby: "Re-opened by order of the people!"

Demonstrations broke out on October 1 in outrage over rampant corruption and unemployment. They were met with a violent crackdown that left dozens dead.

Since resuming later last month, the protests have shifted to campaigns of non-violent resistance.

Across the country's south, Iraqis are carrying out sit-ins at schools, on highways and main bridges, and near government buildings.

"No country? No class!" is the new slogan for thousands of Iraqi university students and school children refusing to go back to class until they see sweeping reforms.

The teachers' syndicate has extended its strike, despite threats from officials that protesting students or staff would face legal consequences.

Most official administrations have been shut in large cities, with large banners also proclaiming the newfound authority: "Closed by order of the people!"

In Diwaniyah, 200 kilometres (130 miles) south of Baghdad, the government's provincial headquarters has literally become a dump.

The building has been shuttered since protesters stormed it last month, and now rubbish trucks and residents add daily to the growing piles of trash there.

And in Rumaitha, the southern town known for sparking Iraq's 1920 revolution against the British mandate, residents are giving the government a taste of its own medicine.

At the heart of a recent demonstration there, a protester grabbed a megaphone and cleared his throat.

"We are declaring a curfew on all government employees and vehicles, and the closing of all party headquarters!" he declared, as people cheered all around him.

Cities and towns across the south have imposed curfews in an attempt to clamp down on protests, but as the movement drags on, residents are increasingly ignoring the restrictions.

In Baghdad, the military announced last week it would begin imposing a nightly curfew from midnight until 6:00 AM.

That evening saw the largest protests yet in Tahrir, as streams of people defied the order and declared their opposition to the government.

They have remained camped in the square, setting up tents and occupying an 18-storey building long known as "the Turkish restaurant". Now it is called, among other names, "Revolution Mountain."

From there, young men watch the crowds gathering in Tahrir and along the key Al-Jumhuriyah bridge leading into the Green Zone.

Riot police have set up barricades along the bridge to keep protesters from entering the enclave, where government offices and embassies are located.

For those watching from above, their perch provided them a rare opportunity to monitor, and mock, security forces.

"Welcome to the morning shift!" they call out over loudspeakers to the fully-equipped police units below, before blaring Arabic love ballads typically heard on morning radio in Iraq.

Down below, protesters hand out fake Iraqi identity cards, where the nationality is listed as "Honorable Iraqi," and profession as "peaceful protester".

Beyond the jokes, the demonstrations have taken on a more serious tone in recent days. Groups hold discussions on politics and economics, even debating the constitution, article by article.

Some advocate for a return to a presidential system, others even say Iraq needs a dictator.

But they are united in condemning the current system.

"The competent people, they're over here in Tahrir, not over there," one protester said, gesturing towards the Green Zone.

"I'm sorry, I can't let you through without orders," said the Iraqi civilian manning the makeshift checkpoint, smirking at the befuddled policeman he had waved down in the capital Baghdad.

"I'm sorry, I can't let you through without orders," said the Iraqi civilian manning the makeshift checkpoint, smirking at the befuddled policeman he had waved down in the capital Baghdad. After a month of defying official curfews and road closures to protest, Iraqis have flipped the rule book. One recent evening, police officers erected a row of concrete t-walls on the same street, sealing off access to Tahrir Square, ground zero for protests in the capital. Demonstrators, one riding a motorised red rickshaw known as a tuk-tuk, sprung into action, chasing down the police. The tuk-tuk came to a screeching halt in front of the truck, blocking its exit as young Iraqi men pressured officers to reopen the road to Tahrir. Improbably, the officers relented, and the enormous truck reversed up the road to lift the barriers as the victorious tuk-tuk followed. Protesters swiftly hung a sign nearby: "Re-opened by order of the people!" Demonstrations broke out on October 1 in outrage over rampant corruption and unemployment. They were met with a violent crackdown that left dozens dead. Since resuming later last month, the protests have shifted to campaigns of non-violent resistance. Across the country's south, Iraqis are carrying out sit-ins at schools, on highways and main bridges, and near government buildings. "No country? No class!" is the new slogan for thousands of Iraqi university students and school children refusing to go back to class until they see sweeping reforms. The teachers' syndicate has extended its strike, despite threats from officials that protesting students or staff would face legal consequences. Most official administrations have been shut in large cities, with large banners also proclaiming the newfound authority: "Closed by order of the people!" In Diwaniyah, 200 kilometres (130 miles) south of Baghdad, the government's provincial headquarters has literally become a dump. The building has been shuttered since protesters stormed it last month, and now rubbish trucks and residents add daily to the growing piles of trash there. And in Rumaitha, the southern town known for sparking Iraq's 1920 revolution against the British mandate, residents are giving the government a taste of its own medicine. At the heart of a recent demonstration there, a protester grabbed a megaphone and cleared his throat. "We are declaring a curfew on all government employees and vehicles, and the closing of all party headquarters!" he declared, as people cheered all around him. Cities and towns across the south have imposed curfews in an attempt to clamp down on protests, but as the movement drags on, residents are increasingly ignoring the restrictions. In Baghdad, the military announced last week it would begin imposing a nightly curfew from midnight until 6:00 AM. That evening saw the largest protests yet in Tahrir, as streams of people defied the order and declared their opposition to the government. They have remained camped in the square, setting up tents and occupying an 18-storey building long known as "the Turkish restaurant". Now it is called, among other names, "Revolution Mountain." From there, young men watch the crowds gathering in Tahrir and along the key Al-Jumhuriyah bridge leading into the Green Zone. Riot police have set up barricades along the bridge to keep protesters from entering the enclave, where government offices and embassies are located. For those watching from above, their perch provided them a rare opportunity to monitor, and mock, security forces. "Welcome to the morning shift!" they call out over loudspeakers to the fully-equipped police units below, before blaring Arabic love ballads typically heard on morning radio in Iraq. Down below, protesters hand out fake Iraqi identity cards, where the nationality is listed as "Honorable Iraqi," and profession as "peaceful protester". Beyond the jokes, the demonstrations have taken on a more serious tone in recent days. Groups hold discussions on politics and economics, even debating the constitution, article by article. Some advocate for a return to a presidential system, others even say Iraq needs a dictator. But they are united in condemning the current system. "The competent people, they're over here in Tahrir, not over there," one protester said, gesturing towards the Green Zone.

Blocking police at checkpoints, Iraqis revel in people power

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live rounds into the air to disperse protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday as the biggest wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-13-killed-as-iraq-resumes-live-gunfire-against-protesters-260185">anti-government demonstrations</a> in decades spread out across the capital.

Reuters correspondents said the shootings took place on or near three of Baghdad's main bridges - Ahrar, Shuhada, and Bab al-Muatham - which have become focal points of the protests.

There appeared to be no deaths. At least 27 people sustained tear gas-related injuries, medical and security sources said.

Protesters had blocked the Shuhada Bridge over the River Tigris since Tuesday afternoon as part of efforts to bring the country to a standstill, with thousands joining anti-government demonstrations in the capital and southern provinces.

They had tried to take Ahrar Bridge on Monday when security forces opened fire, killing at least five.

"More youth started gathering so they kept firing tear gas and live bullets. Maybe four were injured. We didn't do anything but they came and arrested everyone. The youth are peaceful from the start of the sit-in," Qusay Mahdi, a protester on Shuhada Bridge, said on Wednesday.

Security forces were also arresting protesters en masse. A Reuters correspondent saw police pull over a tuk-tuk in the vicinity of one of the bridges and beat the driver before arresting him.

Clashes over two other bridges near the central Tahrir Square where thousands had been gathering for weeks had been taking place regularly, bringing the total of blocked bridges to five.

More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a political class they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests. In the 24 hours to late Tuesday, security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters.

Four more people died on Wednesday from injuries sustained at earlier protests over the past week, medical sources said.

Iraqis have been congregating in Tahrir Square for weeks, demanding an overhaul of the political system in the biggest wave of mass protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Thousands have also been gathering in the impoverished southern Shi'ite heartland.

Since defeating Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education.

The root cause of grievances is the sectarian power-sharing system of governance introduced in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

Many see political elites as subservient to one or another of Baghdad's main allies, the United States and Iran, who use Iraq as a proxy in a struggle for regional influence.

Protesters are now escalating their tactics, saying civil disobedience is their only recourse and calling for strikes as the government of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year, has found no response to the protests.

Protesters on Wednesday blocked the entrance to the Nassiriya oil refinery, security and oil sources said. They stopped tankers that transport fuel to gas stations from entering the refinery, causing fuel shortages.

Security forces forcibly dispersed a sit-in there overnight in oil-producing Basra but no deaths were reported, security sources said. Protesters had camped out in front the provincial government building.

Thousands have been blocking all roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr, near Basra.

Operations at the port, which receives most of Iraq's imports of grain, vegetable oils and sugar, have been at a complete standstill for a week.

The Umm Qasr blockade has cost the country more than $6 billion so far, a spokesman for the prime minister said.

There were clashes there overnight as the families of protesters killed in previous attempts to disperse the sit-in threw rocks at security forces stationed near Basra port. No deaths occurred, security sources said

In a televised address on Tuesday, Abdul Mahdi said the protests were having an economic impact the country could not afford, and he asked demonstrators to refrain from further damaging public and private property.

Security sources said on Wednesday that arrest warrants for protest organisers arrived from Baghdad to all provinces on Tuesday. Dozens have already been arrested in Basra and Nassiriya, they said.

The government's blocking of the internet across much of Iraq has an estimated economic impact to national GDP of over $1 billion in October, said internet outage observatory NetBlocks.

Internet remained blocked across much of Iraq on Wednesday, having been completely shutdown late on Monday and briefly restored for less than four hours on Tuesday morning.

The US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday condemned the deadly violence against unarmed demonstrators, and urged Iraq's leaders to engage urgently with the thousands who have been protesting.

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live rounds into the air to disperse protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday as the biggest wave of anti-government demonstrations in decades spread out across the capital.

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live rounds into the air to disperse protesters in central Baghdad on Wednesday as the biggest wave of anti-government demonstrations in decades spread out across the capital. Reuters correspondents said the shootings took place on or near three of Baghdad's main bridges - Ahrar, Shuhada, and Bab al-Muatham - which have become focal points of the protests. There appeared to be no deaths. At least 27 people sustained tear gas-related injuries, medical and security sources said. Protesters had blocked the Shuhada Bridge over the River Tigris since Tuesday afternoon as part of efforts to bring the country to a standstill, with thousands joining anti-government demonstrations in the capital and southern provinces. They had tried to take Ahrar Bridge on Monday when security forces opened fire, killing at least five. "More youth started gathering so they kept firing tear gas and live bullets. Maybe four were injured. We didn't do anything but they came and arrested everyone. The youth are peaceful from the start of the sit-in," Qusay Mahdi, a protester on Shuhada Bridge, said on Wednesday. Security forces were also arresting protesters en masse. A Reuters correspondent saw police pull over a tuk-tuk in the vicinity of one of the bridges and beat the driver before arresting him. Clashes over two other bridges near the central Tahrir Square where thousands had been gathering for weeks had been taking place regularly, bringing the total of blocked bridges to five. More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a political class they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests. In the 24 hours to late Tuesday, security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters. Four more people died on Wednesday from injuries sustained at earlier protests over the past week, medical sources said. Iraqis have been congregating in Tahrir Square for weeks, demanding an overhaul of the political system in the biggest wave of mass protests since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Thousands have also been gathering in the impoverished southern Shi'ite heartland. Since defeating Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education. The root cause of grievances is the sectarian power-sharing system of governance introduced in Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Many see political elites as subservient to one or another of Baghdad's main allies, the United States and Iran, who use Iraq as a proxy in a struggle for regional influence. Protesters are now escalating their tactics, saying civil disobedience is their only recourse and calling for strikes as the government of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, in office for a year, has found no response to the protests. Protesters on Wednesday blocked the entrance to the Nassiriya oil refinery, security and oil sources said. They stopped tankers that transport fuel to gas stations from entering the refinery, causing fuel shortages. Security forces forcibly dispersed a sit-in there overnight in oil-producing Basra but no deaths were reported, security sources said. Protesters had camped out in front the provincial government building. Thousands have been blocking all roads leading to Iraq's main Gulf port Umm Qasr, near Basra. Operations at the port, which receives most of Iraq's imports of grain, vegetable oils and sugar, have been at a complete standstill for a week. The Umm Qasr blockade has cost the country more than $6 billion so far, a spokesman for the prime minister said. There were clashes there overnight as the families of protesters killed in previous attempts to disperse the sit-in threw rocks at security forces stationed near Basra port. No deaths occurred, security sources said In a televised address on Tuesday, Abdul Mahdi said the protests were having an economic impact the country could not afford, and he asked demonstrators to refrain from further damaging public and private property. Security sources said on Wednesday that arrest warrants for protest organisers arrived from Baghdad to all provinces on Tuesday. Dozens have already been arrested in Basra and Nassiriya, they said. The government's blocking of the internet across much of Iraq has an estimated economic impact to national GDP of over $1 billion in October, said internet outage observatory NetBlocks. Internet remained blocked across much of Iraq on Wednesday, having been completely shutdown late on Monday and briefly restored for less than four hours on Tuesday morning. The US Embassy in Baghdad on Wednesday condemned the deadly violence against unarmed demonstrators, and urged Iraq's leaders to engage urgently with the thousands who have been protesting.

Iraqi security forces break up protests in Baghdad's main bridges

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-roads-to-iraqi-port-demand-end-to-foreign-meddling-259895 ">Iraqi security forces</a> fired live rounds Monday at anti-government protesters in Baghdad, hours after four demonstrators were shot dead outside the Iranian consulate in the holy city of Karbala.

It was the latest bloodshed in a wave of ongoing protests, roadblocks and a campaign of civil disobedience waged by protesters accusing the Iraqi government of rampant corruption and clientelism.

About 12 people were wounded in Baghdad, medical and security sources said when security forces opened fire on protesters massing near the state television headquarters, according to witnesses.

It was the first time live ammunition was fired at demonstrators in Baghdad since protests resumed on October 24, following a period in which riot police had switched to use tear gas amid accusations of "excessive force".

Some 270 people have lost their lives since the anti-government rallies broke out on October 1, according to an AFP count, but officials have stopped providing precise casualty numbers.

'Intent to kill'

Overnight, a crowd of protesters had gathered in Karbala around the consulate of neighbouring Iran, which they accuse of propping up the government they are trying to overthrow.&nbsp;

They scaled the blast walls and aimed fireworks at the building and, as the crowd grew, heavy gunfire and volleys of tear gas rang out.

"They're not firing up in the air. They intend to kill, not disperse," said one young protester wearing a medical mask about Iraqi forces guarding the mission.

The forensic medicine department later confirmed four protesters died after being shot.

"My son went out to protest with the rest of the young Iraqi men and got shot once in the shoulder and a second time in the head. He was 20," said Wissam Shaker.

Another relative of a casualty, who declined to give his name, said the protesters had been unarmed.

"If the governor comes out and says these protesters had grenades or weapons, he's lying! They had nothing but stones while security forces fired bullets," he said.

Civil disobedience

Iraq has close but complicated ties with its eastern neighbour Iran, with whom it fought a deadly war in the 1980s but which now has significant political and economic sway in Iraq.

Tehran has sought to reduce the protests next door, with sources reporting top commander Qassem Soleimani making several visits to "advise" Iraqi authorities on coping with the rallies.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also slammed the protests in Iraq and Lebanon, labelling them conspiracies by the US and others.

Undeterred by the latest violence, protesters pushed on Monday with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-protesters-killed-in-iraqs-karbala-near-iran-consulate-report-259827">civil disobedience</a> tactics they have increasingly adopted over the past week, including sit-ins, road closures and strikes.

The national teachers' syndicate was the first to impose a nationwide strike, shutting down schools across the country, and other trade unions later joined in.&nbsp;

Government offices in more than a half-dozen southern cities have been either stormed or closed for lack of staff, with demonstrators hanging banners reading "Closed by order of the people" in front of the buildings.&nbsp;

Others have erected checkpoints to stop security forces or imposed curfews on officials and police, with roads cut in Samawa and protests in Nasiriyah and Hillah on Monday.

PM's support frays

Protesters have also shut the highway to the Umm Qasr port, one of the main conduits for food, medicine and other imports into Iraq.

In Amara, sit-ins were underway Monday at the Halfaya and Buzurgan oil fields, blocking employees from accessing the site but not interrupting production.

The spreading non-violent actions defied a plea the previous evening by embattled premier Adel Abdel Mahdi for protesters to end their campaign.

"Now is the time for life to go back to normal," Abdel Mahdi, 77, said in a statement, insisting that many of their demands "have already been satisfied".

Abdel Mahdi has announced hiring drives and increased social welfare, while President Barham Saleh has proposed early elections after a new voting law is agreed.

But protesters have demanded an overhaul of the entrenched political class and deep-rooted change to end rampant corruption they charge is holding the country back.

Despite being OPEC's second-largest crude producer, one in five Iraqis live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent.

Iraqi security forces fired live rounds Monday at anti-government protesters in Baghdad, hours after four demonstrators were shot dead outside the Iranian consulate in the holy city of Karbala.

Iraqi security forces fired live rounds Monday at anti-government protesters in Baghdad, hours after four demonstrators were shot dead outside the Iranian consulate in the holy city of Karbala. It was the latest bloodshed in a wave of ongoing protests, roadblocks and a campaign of civil disobedience waged by protesters accusing the Iraqi government of rampant corruption and clientelism. About 12 people were wounded in Baghdad, medical and security sources said when security forces opened fire on protesters massing near the state television headquarters, according to witnesses. It was the first time live ammunition was fired at demonstrators in Baghdad since protests resumed on October 24, following a period in which riot police had switched to use tear gas amid accusations of "excessive force". Some 270 people have lost their lives since the anti-government rallies broke out on October 1, according to an AFP count, but officials have stopped providing precise casualty numbers. 'Intent to kill' Overnight, a crowd of protesters had gathered in Karbala around the consulate of neighbouring Iran, which they accuse of propping up the government they are trying to overthrow. They scaled the blast walls and aimed fireworks at the building and, as the crowd grew, heavy gunfire and volleys of tear gas rang out. "They're not firing up in the air. They intend to kill, not disperse," said one young protester wearing a medical mask about Iraqi forces guarding the mission. The forensic medicine department later confirmed four protesters died after being shot. "My son went out to protest with the rest of the young Iraqi men and got shot once in the shoulder and a second time in the head. He was 20," said Wissam Shaker. Another relative of a casualty, who declined to give his name, said the protesters had been unarmed. "If the governor comes out and says these protesters had grenades or weapons, he's lying! They had nothing but stones while security forces fired bullets," he said. Civil disobedience Iraq has close but complicated ties with its eastern neighbour Iran, with whom it fought a deadly war in the 1980s but which now has significant political and economic sway in Iraq. Tehran has sought to reduce the protests next door, with sources reporting top commander Qassem Soleimani making several visits to "advise" Iraqi authorities on coping with the rallies. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also slammed the protests in Iraq and Lebanon, labelling them conspiracies by the US and others. Undeterred by the latest violence, protesters pushed on Monday with civil disobedience tactics they have increasingly adopted over the past week, including sit-ins, road closures and strikes. The national teachers' syndicate was the first to impose a nationwide strike, shutting down schools across the country, and other trade unions later joined in. Government offices in more than a half-dozen southern cities have been either stormed or closed for lack of staff, with demonstrators hanging banners reading "Closed by order of the people" in front of the buildings. Others have erected checkpoints to stop security forces or imposed curfews on officials and police, with roads cut in Samawa and protests in Nasiriyah and Hillah on Monday. PM's support frays Protesters have also shut the highway to the Umm Qasr port, one of the main conduits for food, medicine and other imports into Iraq. In Amara, sit-ins were underway Monday at the Halfaya and Buzurgan oil fields, blocking employees from accessing the site but not interrupting production. The spreading non-violent actions defied a plea the previous evening by embattled premier Adel Abdel Mahdi for protesters to end their campaign. "Now is the time for life to go back to normal," Abdel Mahdi, 77, said in a statement, insisting that many of their demands "have already been satisfied". Abdel Mahdi has announced hiring drives and increased social welfare, while President Barham Saleh has proposed early elections after a new voting law is agreed. But protesters have demanded an overhaul of the entrenched political class and deep-rooted change to end rampant corruption they charge is holding the country back. Despite being OPEC's second-largest crude producer, one in five Iraqis live below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent.

Iraq forces fire on Baghdad protesters after four killed in Karbala

Tens of thousands of Iraqis thronged central Baghdad on Friday demanding the root-and-branch downfall of the political elite in the biggest day of mass anti-government demonstrations since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Iraq protests continue: Biggest protest since Saddam's fall

U.S. Releases Footage Of The Operation That Killed Terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Gravitas: How the Baghdadi operation unfolded

Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Wednesday, defying the curfew, in a series of anti-government protests.

Young men clad in Iraqi flags flooded the streets. The protests have been largely successful owing to the mobilisation of people via cars, taxis, motorcycles and even tuk-tuks.&nbsp;

According to Reuters, one protester named Haider demanded to have a "presidential regime" in the country, saying, "when a new president comes to power, he only rules us for four years, and then we can fire him."

Iraq has witnessed more than hundreds of deaths and continuous protests over the last month against the government. On Monday itself, Iraqi security forces opened fire on protesters and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-open-fire-on-protesters-kill-14-258650">killed at least 18 people</a> in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala.

"We, the Iraqi people, want a presidential regime, we don't want a parliamentary regime'', Haider added.

Rampant corruption and inflation have drives Iraqis to the streets, with the youth demanding jobs and economic stability. Even though Iraq has a history of violence and protests, the last two years were relatively quiet.&nbsp;

At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest started on October 1.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Wednesday, defying the curfew, in a series of anti-government protests. Young men clad in Iraqi flags flooded the streets.

Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Wednesday, defying the curfew, in a series of anti-government protests. Young men clad in Iraqi flags flooded the streets. The protests have been largely successful owing to the mobilisation of people via cars, taxis, motorcycles and even tuk-tuks. According to Reuters, one protester named Haider demanded to have a "presidential regime" in the country, saying, "when a new president comes to power, he only rules us for four years, and then we can fire him." Iraq has witnessed more than hundreds of deaths and continuous protests over the last month against the government. On Monday itself, Iraqi security forces opened fire on protesters and killed at least 18 people in the Shi'ite holy city of Kerbala. "We, the Iraqi people, want a presidential regime, we don't want a parliamentary regime'', Haider added. Rampant corruption and inflation have drives Iraqis to the streets, with the youth demanding jobs and economic stability. Even though Iraq has a history of violence and protests, the last two years were relatively quiet. At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest started on October 1. (With inputs from Reuters)

Thousands defy curfew and gather in Baghdad to protest against government

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

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

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

Iraqi security forces open fire on protesters, kill 14

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

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

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

Defying crackdown, Iraqis keep protesting at Tahrir Square

Iraqi security forces sought to clamp down on protests in Baghdad and across the south on Saturday, a day after dozens died in a bloody resumption of anti-government rallies.

Iraqi security forces sought to clamp down on protests in Baghdad and across the south on Saturday, a day after dozens died in a bloody resumption of anti-government rallies. A parliamentary session scheduled for Saturday afternoon to discuss the renewed protests was cancelled after it failed to reach a quorum. Since anti-government rallies first erupted on October 1, nearly 200 people have died and thousands were wounded in Baghdad and across the country's Shiite-majority south in violence condemned worldwide. Almost a quarter of them, 42, succumbed on Friday alone from live rounds, tear gas canisters or while torching government buildings or offices belonging to powerful Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary factions in several southern cities. Tensions remained high across several cities there on Saturday, with security forces cutting off roads and imposing strict curfews. The storming of provincial headquarters, parliamentarians' workspaces or Hashed offices marks a new phase in the southern rallies but there have been no such incidents so far in the capital. In Baghdad, a few hundred protesters dug in around the emblematic Tahrir (Liberation) Square on Saturday morning despite efforts by riot police to clear them with tear gas. "It's enough -- theft, looting, gangs, mafias, deep state, whatever. Get out! Let us see a (functioning) state," said one protester, referring to perceived cronyism and corruption in the country. "We don't want anything, just let us live," he added as puffs of smoke from tear gas rose behind him. Oil-rich Iraq is OPEC's second-highest producer -- but one in five people live below the poverty line and youth unemployment sits at 25 percent, according to the World Bank. The staggering rates of joblessness and allegations of corruption sparked the widespread protests on October 1 and the government has struggled to quell public anger by proposing reforms. 'They tricked us' Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi has suggested a laundry list of measures, including hiring drives, increased pensions and a cabinet reshuffle. New education and health ministers were approved by parliament in a session earlier this month, the only time it was able to reach a quorum since protests began. But protesters seemed unimpressed. "They told young 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. About 60 percent of Iraq's 40-million-strong population is under the age of 25. Protesters have directed some of their anger at the country's top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who is deeply revered among most Iraqis. Others have been waiting for signal from influential populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has thrown his weight behind protests. On Friday, Sistani urged protesters and security forces to show "restraint", warning of "chaos" if violence resumed. "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. Riot police had been trying to keep protesters around Tahrir from reaching the high-security Green Zone across the river, which hosts government offices including parliament. Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said he had visited Tahrir overnight, but many demonstrators have shunned the participation of mainstream politicians whom they see as trying to co-opt their movement.

Iraq forces clamp down on protests after bloodshed

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-40-killed-as-fresh-protests-engulf-iraq-258212">protesters away from Baghdad</a>'s Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed.

In the capital and across the south, protesters died Friday from live rounds, wounds sustained from tear gas canisters and in fires set to government and paramilitary offices.

On Saturday morning, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-march-towards-baghdads-green-zone-one-killed-258183">demonstrators</a> tried to reach Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, where parliament is scheduled to "discuss protesters' demands, cabinet's decisions and the implementation of reforms" later in the day, according to its agenda.

Security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Tahrir (Liberation) Square and the adjacent Al-Jumhuriya bridge, which leads to the Green Zone, home to government offices and foreign embassies.

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A first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/iraqs-wave-of-protests-its-roots-and-how-to-begin-fixing-it-258108">wave of protests</a> erupted on October 1, demanding an end to corruption and unemployment before escalating to calls for an overhaul of the political system.&nbsp;

More than 150 people were killed, according to a government probe, most of them protesters in Baghdad who died of gunshot wounds to the head or chest.&nbsp;

In response, authorities have pledged a laundry list of measures 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 reach quorum since protests began.

But protesters seemed unimpressed and called for a resumption of nationwide demonstrations on October 25.&nbsp;

Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said he had visited protesters overnight in Tahrir, but many demonstrators have shunned the participation of mainstream politicians whom they see as trying to co-opt their movement.&nbsp;

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Baghdad's Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed.

Iraqi security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Baghdad's Green Zone Saturday ahead of a planned parliament session, AFP correspondents said, a day after 42 demonstrators were killed. In the capital and across the south, protesters died Friday from live rounds, wounds sustained from tear gas canisters and in fires set to government and paramilitary offices. On Saturday morning, demonstrators tried to reach Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, where parliament is scheduled to "discuss protesters' demands, cabinet's decisions and the implementation of reforms" later in the day, according to its agenda. Security forces fired tear gas to force protesters away from Tahrir (Liberation) Square and the adjacent Al-Jumhuriya bridge, which leads to the Green Zone, home to government offices and foreign embassies. × A first wave of protests erupted on October 1, demanding an end to corruption and unemployment before escalating to calls for an overhaul of the political system. More than 150 people were killed, according to a government probe, most of them protesters in Baghdad who died of gunshot wounds to the head or chest. In response, authorities have pledged a laundry list of measures 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 reach quorum since protests began. But protesters seemed unimpressed and called for a resumption of nationwide demonstrations on October 25. Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi said he had visited protesters overnight in Tahrir, but many demonstrators have shunned the participation of mainstream politicians whom they see as trying to co-opt their movement.

Iraq: Security forces fire tear gas as protests linger in Baghdad ahead of parliament session

Iraqi security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to repel demonstrators on Friday morning who had marched towards government buildings in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-government-protests-resume-in-iraq-after-bloodshed-258031">protest against corruption and economic hardship</a>.

The incident marked a renewal of the anti-government protests after security forces killed about 150 people in confronting a round of demonstrations at the start of the month.

About 1,000 people, some of whom had camped overnight in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, were marching towards the city's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies when they were stopped by security forces.

Medical sources told Reuters about 20 people had been treated in hospital for tear gas exposure.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said in an address on Thursday that people would be free to exercise their right to demonstrate but that violence would not be tolerated.

Abdul Mahdi has struggled to address discontent since sometimes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/157-dead-in-anti-government-protests-in-iraq-257534">violent unrest</a> erupted in Baghdad on October&nbsp;1 and spread to southern cities. Demonstrators blame corrupt officials and political elites for failing to improve their lives.

Despite the OPEC member's vast oil wealth, many Iraqis live in poverty, have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic healthcare or decent education as the country tries to recover from years of conflict and economic hardship.

Demonstrations continued for several days at the beginning of the month despite a violent crackdown by security forces.

A government committee set up by Abdul Mahdi said on Monday that 149 civilians were killed because security forces used excessive force and live fire to quell the protests. It recommended the dismissal and trial of dozens of senior security commanders.

Protesters, who have called on the ruling class to step down, gathered again in several cities on Friday morning after a two-week hiatus.

Abdul Mahdi said in Thursday's address that a government collapse would drag Iraq into further turmoil.

"The resignation of the government today without a constitutional alternative will lead the country into chaos," he said.

He also reiterated reforms announced in the aftermath of the protests, including a cabinet reshuffle, opportunities for unemployed youth, a new court to try corrupt officials, as well as the halving of government salaries, including for top officials.

Iraqi security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to repel demonstrators on Friday morning who had marched towards government buildings in protest against corruption and economic hardship.

Iraqi security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to repel demonstrators on Friday morning who had marched towards government buildings in protest against corruption and economic hardship. The incident marked a renewal of the anti-government protests after security forces killed about 150 people in confronting a round of demonstrations at the start of the month. About 1,000 people, some of whom had camped overnight in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, were marching towards the city's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies when they were stopped by security forces. Medical sources told Reuters about 20 people had been treated in hospital for tear gas exposure. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said in an address on Thursday that people would be free to exercise their right to demonstrate but that violence would not be tolerated. Abdul Mahdi has struggled to address discontent since sometimes violent unrest erupted in Baghdad on October 1 and spread to southern cities. Demonstrators blame corrupt officials and political elites for failing to improve their lives. Despite the OPEC member's vast oil wealth, many Iraqis live in poverty, have limited access to clean water, electricity, basic healthcare or decent education as the country tries to recover from years of conflict and economic hardship. Demonstrations continued for several days at the beginning of the month despite a violent crackdown by security forces. A government committee set up by Abdul Mahdi said on Monday that 149 civilians were killed because security forces used excessive force and live fire to quell the protests. It recommended the dismissal and trial of dozens of senior security commanders. Protesters, who have called on the ruling class to step down, gathered again in several cities on Friday morning after a two-week hiatus. Abdul Mahdi said in Thursday's address that a government collapse would drag Iraq into further turmoil. "The resignation of the government today without a constitutional alternative will lead the country into chaos," he said. He also reiterated reforms announced in the aftermath of the protests, including a cabinet reshuffle, opportunities for unemployed youth, a new court to try corrupt officials, as well as the halving of government salaries, including for top officials.

Protesters march towards Baghdad's fortified Green Zone as anti-government protests resume

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

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

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

Iran-backed militias deployed snipers in Iraq protests: Report

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

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

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

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

Iraq's president called Monday for a "halt to escalation" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-violent-protests-in-iraq-at-least-100-dead-over-6000-hurt-254349">widespread protests that killed dozens</a>, including an overnight rally in east Baghdad in which the military admitted using "excessive force".

Demonstrations have rocked the capital and Iraq's southern provinces since Tuesday, first demanding reforms to fight corruption and unemployment but ramping up to calls for a total overhaul of the country's political system.

In a televised address, President Barham Saleh appealed for a "halt to escalation" and proposed a "national, all-encompassing and frank dialogue… without foreign interference" to chart a way out of the crisis. &nbsp;

"There is no legitimacy to any political process or system that does not work to achieve your demands," Saleh said, addressing protesters.

The demonstrations are unprecedented in Iraq because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a deeply politicized society.

But they have also been exceptionally deadly with more than 100 people killed and 6,000 wounded since Tuesday.

Witnesses have reported that security forces used tear gas and live rounds while authorities accused "unidentified snipers" of shooting at protesters and the police.

Saleh said those who attacked demonstrators and security forces were "enemies of the people" and denounced weekend raids on local and regional media stations.

His statement came hours after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-military-admits-excessive-force-used-in-deadly-protests-254197">Iraq's military admitted using "excessive force outside the rules of engagement</a>" against a protest in the eastern Baghdad district of Sadr City. &nbsp;

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-18-killed-in-iraq-protests-overnight-government-issues-new-promises-254103/amp">overnight rally</a> there deteriorated into clashes that left 13 people dead, according to medics and security sources.

In videos distributed on social media, protesters could be seen ducking into streets littered with burning tires as volleys of gunfire and suspected heavy weapons were heard.

But by Monday evening, in line with government orders, the military had been pulled out of Sadr City and a few police officers could be seen on the edges of the neighbourhood, an AFP photographer there said.

Monday’s statement was the first time security forces acknowledged using disproportionate measures, a step cautiously welcomed by Amnesty International.

"The security forces' admission of using excessive force is a first step that must be translated on the ground, to rein in the behavior of security forces and the army," it said in Arabic.

"The next step is accountability."

The International Committee of the Red Cross on Monday urged for Iraqi health workers to be allowed to treat the wounded safely.

"The alternative is unthinkable for a population already weary and in need," said Katharina Ritz, ICRC's head of delegation in Iraq.

Sadr City, a densely populated, impoverished part of the capital, is a bastion of firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr who has thrown his weight behind the protests by calling on Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's government to resign.

But the embattled premier instead announced a series of reforms to create jobs, boost social welfare and oust corrupt officials.

He has accused "saboteurs" of infiltrating the protests, a claim echoed by the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful network of mostly-Shiite, pro-Iran paramilitary units opposed to the US.

"We know who stands behind these protests. The plan to bring down the regime has failed," its chief Faleh Al-Fayyadh told journalists in Baghdad.

He said his forces would support actions against corrupt institutions but not "the fall of the regime", a chant that has featured more prominently in the protests in recent days.

"Those who wanted to defame Iraq will be punished," Fayyadh said, adding that his forces were "ready for any government order".

His words echoed a statement earlier Monday by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who accused "enemies" of trying to drive a wedge between Tehran and Baghdad.

"Enemies seek to sow discord but they've failed &amp; their conspiracy won't be effective," Khamenei was quoted as saying on his office's Twitter account.

Iran has urged its citizens planning to take part in a major Shiite pilgrimage in Iraq to delay their travel into the country over the violence.

Baghdad has close but complicated ties with Tehran, which enjoys significant influence among its Shiite political groups, but is also an ally of Washington.

On Monday, Abdel Mahdi said he discussed the recent events and reform plans in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, without providing further details.

And he said he met on Monday with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Iraq's president called Monday for a "halt to escalation" after widespread protests that killed dozens, including an overnight rally in east Baghdad in which the military admitted using "excessive force".

Iraq's president called Monday for a "halt to escalation" after widespread protests that killed dozens, including an overnight rally in east Baghdad in which the military admitted using "excessive force". Demonstrations have rocked the capital and Iraq's southern provinces since Tuesday, first demanding reforms to fight corruption and unemployment but ramping up to calls for a total overhaul of the country's political system. In a televised address, President Barham Saleh appealed for a "halt to escalation" and proposed a "national, all-encompassing and frank dialogue… without foreign interference" to chart a way out of the crisis. "There is no legitimacy to any political process or system that does not work to achieve your demands," Saleh said, addressing protesters. The demonstrations are unprecedented in Iraq because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a deeply politicized society. But they have also been exceptionally deadly with more than 100 people killed and 6,000 wounded since Tuesday. Witnesses have reported that security forces used tear gas and live rounds while authorities accused "unidentified snipers" of shooting at protesters and the police. Saleh said those who attacked demonstrators and security forces were "enemies of the people" and denounced weekend raids on local and regional media stations. His statement came hours after Iraq's military admitted using "excessive force outside the rules of engagement" against a protest in the eastern Baghdad district of Sadr City. An overnight rally there deteriorated into clashes that left 13 people dead, according to medics and security sources. In videos distributed on social media, protesters could be seen ducking into streets littered with burning tires as volleys of gunfire and suspected heavy weapons were heard. But by Monday evening, in line with government orders, the military had been pulled out of Sadr City and a few police officers could be seen on the edges of the neighbourhood, an AFP photographer there said. Monday’s statement was the first time security forces acknowledged using disproportionate measures, a step cautiously welcomed by Amnesty International. "The security forces' admission of using excessive force is a first step that must be translated on the ground, to rein in the behavior of security forces and the army," it said in Arabic. "The next step is accountability." The International Committee of the Red Cross on Monday urged for Iraqi health workers to be allowed to treat the wounded safely. "The alternative is unthinkable for a population already weary and in need," said Katharina Ritz, ICRC's head of delegation in Iraq. Sadr City, a densely populated, impoverished part of the capital, is a bastion of firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr who has thrown his weight behind the protests by calling on Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's government to resign. But the embattled premier instead announced a series of reforms to create jobs, boost social welfare and oust corrupt officials. He has accused "saboteurs" of infiltrating the protests, a claim echoed by the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful network of mostly-Shiite, pro-Iran paramilitary units opposed to the US. "We know who stands behind these protests. The plan to bring down the regime has failed," its chief Faleh Al-Fayyadh told journalists in Baghdad. He said his forces would support actions against corrupt institutions but not "the fall of the regime", a chant that has featured more prominently in the protests in recent days. "Those who wanted to defame Iraq will be punished," Fayyadh said, adding that his forces were "ready for any government order". His words echoed a statement earlier Monday by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who accused "enemies" of trying to drive a wedge between Tehran and Baghdad. "Enemies seek to sow discord but they've failed & their conspiracy won't be effective," Khamenei was quoted as saying on his office's Twitter account. Iran has urged its citizens planning to take part in a major Shiite pilgrimage in Iraq to delay their travel into the country over the violence. Baghdad has close but complicated ties with Tehran, which enjoys significant influence among its Shiite political groups, but is also an ally of Washington. On Monday, Abdel Mahdi said he discussed the recent events and reform plans in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, without providing further details. And he said he met on Monday with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Iraqi President urges end to 'escalation' after days of deadly protests

The United Nations urged Saturday an end to violence in Iraq, after five days of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protest-death-toll-nears-100-rights-panel-253906">anti-government rallies </a>marred by the killing of nearly 100 people, mainly protesters. &nbsp;

The demonstrations -- which have evolved from initial demands for employment and better services to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/innovative-iraqis-dodge-net-blackout-to-illuminate-protest-violence-253984">fall of the government</a> -- carried on into the night in various neighbourhoods of Baghdad and southern Iraq, as authorities struggled to agree a response.

Security forces broke up a mass rally in the east of Baghdad, where protesters faced volleys of tear gas and live rounds fired in their direction, witnesses said.

"Five days of reported deaths and injuries: this must stop," said the United Nations' top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.&nbsp;

She described the violence as a "senseless loss of life" and said those behind it must be held accountable.&nbsp;

The authorities accused unidentified snipers of shooting into the crowd and said they were searching residential neighbourhoods for those responsible.&nbsp;

Watch: Iraq anti-government protest - military deployed to quell protests

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At least 99 people have died and nearly 4,000 wounded since protests began in the capital on Tuesday before spreading to the south of the country, according to the Iraqi parliament's human rights commission.

The mainly young, male protesters have insisted their movement is not linked to any party or religious establishment and have scoffed at recent overtures by politicians.&nbsp;

On Saturday, demonstrators in the southern city of Nasiriyah set fire to the headquarters of six different political parties.&nbsp;

Thousands also descended on the governorate in the southern city of Diwaniyah, where gunfire was unleashed into the air, AFP correspondents there said.&nbsp;

Parliament's human rights commission said Saturday that most of those who have died in the last five days fell in Baghdad, while 250 other people were treated in the capital for sniper wounds.

"We demand clarification from the Iraqi government on those wounded in Baghdad by sniper fire, which is ongoing today," the commission said.

Parliamentary manoeuvring

Parliament had been due to meet at 1:00 pm (1000 GMT) but could not reach quorum, after firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's bloc of 54 lawmakers and other factions boycotted the session.

The former militia leader threw his weight behind the demonstrations on Friday with a call for the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi.

Sadr's movement has the power and organisation to bring large numbers of supporters onto the streets, but at the risk of alienating many of those whose protests in recent days have been based on rejecting all of Iraq's feuding political factions.

Parliamentary speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi had extended a hand to protesters saying "your voice is being heard".

But one protester said late Friday "these men don't represent us".

"We don't want parties anymore. We don't want anyone to speak in our name."&nbsp;

Iraq has a population of just under 40 million people and is currently the fifth-largest oil producer and exporter worldwide, and the second-largest OPEC producer.&nbsp;

Youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, twice the overall rate, according to the World Bank which adds that an estimated 22.5 per cent of the population was living in poverty in 2014.

The largely spontaneous protests have presented the biggest challenge yet to the Iraqi premier, who came to power a year ago as a consensus candidate promising reforms but whose response to protesters has been seen as tepid. &nbsp;

"Abdel Mahdi should have come forward with decisive changes, like the sacking of leading politicians accused of corruption," said Iraqi analyst Sarmad al-Bayati. &nbsp;

Authorities restricted access to Facebook and Whatsapp after anti-government demonstrations began on Tuesday, before ordering a total network shutdown on Wednesday.

'Promised reforms'

Political and religious rifts run deep in Iraq, and protests are typically called for by party or sect –- making the last five days exceptional, said Fanar Haddad an expert at Singapore University’s Middle East Institute.&nbsp;

"This is the first time we hear people saying they want the downfall of the regime," Haddad said.

Sadr, a former militia leader turned nationalist politician, demanded on Friday that the government resign to clear the way for a fresh election supervised by the United Nations.&nbsp;

His bloc is the largest in parliament, and his intervention sets the scene for a possible showdown with the speaker, who has made his own bid to make political capital out of the protests.

Halbusi sought to allay protesters Saturday by announcing in a news conference a long list of promised reforms over employment and social welfare, but it was not clear he would succeed in appeasing the demonstrators.

Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani used his weekly Friday prayer sermon to urge authorities to heed the demands of demonstrators, warning the protests could escalate unless clear steps are taken immediately. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations urged Saturday an end to violence in Iraq, after five days of anti-government rallies marred by the killing of nearly 100 people, mainly protesters.

The United Nations urged Saturday an end to violence in Iraq, after five days of anti-government rallies marred by the killing of nearly 100 people, mainly protesters. The demonstrations -- which have evolved from initial demands for employment and better services to the fall of the government -- carried on into the night in various neighbourhoods of Baghdad and southern Iraq, as authorities struggled to agree a response. Security forces broke up a mass rally in the east of Baghdad, where protesters faced volleys of tear gas and live rounds fired in their direction, witnesses said. "Five days of reported deaths and injuries: this must stop," said the United Nations' top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. She described the violence as a "senseless loss of life" and said those behind it must be held accountable. The authorities accused unidentified snipers of shooting into the crowd and said they were searching residential neighbourhoods for those responsible. Watch: Iraq anti-government protest - military deployed to quell protests × At least 99 people have died and nearly 4,000 wounded since protests began in the capital on Tuesday before spreading to the south of the country, according to the Iraqi parliament's human rights commission. The mainly young, male protesters have insisted their movement is not linked to any party or religious establishment and have scoffed at recent overtures by politicians. On Saturday, demonstrators in the southern city of Nasiriyah set fire to the headquarters of six different political parties. Thousands also descended on the governorate in the southern city of Diwaniyah, where gunfire was unleashed into the air, AFP correspondents there said. Parliament's human rights commission said Saturday that most of those who have died in the last five days fell in Baghdad, while 250 other people were treated in the capital for sniper wounds. "We demand clarification from the Iraqi government on those wounded in Baghdad by sniper fire, which is ongoing today," the commission said. Parliamentary manoeuvring Parliament had been due to meet at 1:00 pm (1000 GMT) but could not reach quorum, after firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's bloc of 54 lawmakers and other factions boycotted the session. The former militia leader threw his weight behind the demonstrations on Friday with a call for the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. Sadr's movement has the power and organisation to bring large numbers of supporters onto the streets, but at the risk of alienating many of those whose protests in recent days have been based on rejecting all of Iraq's feuding political factions. Parliamentary speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi had extended a hand to protesters saying "your voice is being heard". But one protester said late Friday "these men don't represent us". "We don't want parties anymore. We don't want anyone to speak in our name." Iraq has a population of just under 40 million people and is currently the fifth-largest oil producer and exporter worldwide, and the second-largest OPEC producer. Youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, twice the overall rate, according to the World Bank which adds that an estimated 22.5 per cent of the population was living in poverty in 2014. The largely spontaneous protests have presented the biggest challenge yet to the Iraqi premier, who came to power a year ago as a consensus candidate promising reforms but whose response to protesters has been seen as tepid. "Abdel Mahdi should have come forward with decisive changes, like the sacking of leading politicians accused of corruption," said Iraqi analyst Sarmad al-Bayati. Authorities restricted access to Facebook and Whatsapp after anti-government demonstrations began on Tuesday, before ordering a total network shutdown on Wednesday. 'Promised reforms' Political and religious rifts run deep in Iraq, and protests are typically called for by party or sect –- making the last five days exceptional, said Fanar Haddad an expert at Singapore University’s Middle East Institute. "This is the first time we hear people saying they want the downfall of the regime," Haddad said. Sadr, a former militia leader turned nationalist politician, demanded on Friday that the government resign to clear the way for a fresh election supervised by the United Nations. His bloc is the largest in parliament, and his intervention sets the scene for a possible showdown with the speaker, who has made his own bid to make political capital out of the protests. Halbusi sought to allay protesters Saturday by announcing in a news conference a long list of promised reforms over employment and social welfare, but it was not clear he would succeed in appeasing the demonstrators. Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani used his weekly Friday prayer sermon to urge authorities to heed the demands of demonstrators, warning the protests could escalate unless clear steps are taken immediately.

United Nations says 'this must stop' after Iraqi protest violence kills nearly 100

Iraqi authorities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protest-death-toll-nears-100-rights-panel-253906">lifted a&nbsp;curfew in Baghdad</a> on Saturday&nbsp;that anti-government protesters had defied, as the toll from four days of violent unrest rose to 72 killed and hundreds injured.

Traffic ran as normal through the Iraqi capital and streets and main squares were otherwise quiet. Concrete barriers blocked off areas where protesters in their thousands clashed with police during the week.

Iraq's semi-official High Commission for Human Rights said security forces had detained hundreds of people for demonstrating but then let most of them go.

Police snipers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protests-death-toll-rises-to-73-over-3000-injured-rights-commssion-253886">shot at protesters</a> on Friday, Reuters reporters said, escalating violent tactics used by the security forces that have included live fire, tear gas and water cannons.

The security forces have accused gunmen of hiding among demonstrators to shoot at police. Several policemen have died.

The protests over the unfair distribution of jobs, lack of services and government corruption erupted on Tuesday in Baghdad and quickly spread to other Iraqi cities, mainly in the south.

It is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protest-at-least-60-people-dead-cleric-sadr-demands-government-resign-253833">deadliest unrest Iraq has seen since the declared defeat of Islamic State</a> in 2017 and has shaken the year-old government of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

Iraqi authorities lifted a curfew in Baghdad on Saturday that anti-government protesters had defied, as the toll from four days of violent unrest rose to 72 killed and hundreds injured.

Iraqi authorities lifted a curfew in Baghdad on Saturday that anti-government protesters had defied, as the toll from four days of violent unrest rose to 72 killed and hundreds injured. Traffic ran as normal through the Iraqi capital and streets and main squares were otherwise quiet. Concrete barriers blocked off areas where protesters in their thousands clashed with police during the week. Iraq's semi-official High Commission for Human Rights said security forces had detained hundreds of people for demonstrating but then let most of them go. Police snipers shot at protesters on Friday, Reuters reporters said, escalating violent tactics used by the security forces that have included live fire, tear gas and water cannons. The security forces have accused gunmen of hiding among demonstrators to shoot at police. Several policemen have died. The protests over the unfair distribution of jobs, lack of services and government corruption erupted on Tuesday in Baghdad and quickly spread to other Iraqi cities, mainly in the south. It is the deadliest unrest Iraq has seen since the declared defeat of Islamic State in 2017 and has shaken the year-old government of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

Iraqi authorities lift Baghdad curfew amid protests

Iraqi security forces opened fire on thousands of demonstrators who defied a curfew in Baghdad on Thursday (October 3) and exchanged fire with gunmen in a southern city, killing two people on the third day of nationwide anti-government protests. Watch this video to know more.

Protests in Iraq enters 3rd day: Death toll climbs to at least 34

The death toll from days of violent demonstrations across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-forces-fire-at-protesters-in-baghdad-after-pm-pledges-vague-reform-253693">Iraq </a>surged to 46 on Friday, most of them killed in the last 24 hours, as unrest rapidly accelerated and the country's most powerful cleric placed the blame squarely on politicians.

In a rare intervention, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, whose word is law for most of Iraq's majority Shi'ites, called on protesters and the security forces to avoid violence. But he also ordered political factions to respond to protest demands.

"It is sorrowful that there have been so many deaths, casualties and destruction," Sistani said in a letter read out by his representative Ahmed al-Safi during a sermon in the holy city of Kerbala.

"The government and political sides have not answered the demands of the people to fight corruption or achieved anything on the ground," he said. "Parliament holds the biggest responsibility for what is happening."

In an overnight TV address, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said he understood the frustration of the public but there was no "magic solution" to Iraq's problems. He pledged reforms, though these have so far drawn scorn from demonstrators.

The violent demonstrations have escalated by the day since they first erupted on Tuesday, sweeping across the country spontaneously, without public backing from any organized political group and taking the authorities by surprise.

Security forces have fired live ammunition at crowds of mainly young men, and gunmen have fired back. Hundreds of people have been wounded, including members of the security forces as well as demonstrators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-police-fire-live-rounds-as-protesters-defy-curfew-253498/amp">Police </a>and medical sources said the death toll included 18 people killed in the southern city of Nassiriya, 16 in the capital Baghdad, four in the southern city of Amara and four in Baquba, to the capital's north. Other deaths were reported in two other southern cities, Hilla and Najaf.

Curfews were imposed in a number of cities. Authorities shut roads into the capital from the north and northeast and were sending reinforcements to Baghdad's densely-populated east. Military convoys were being sent to Nassiriya, the city worst hit by the violence.

Protesters in Baghdad gathered in darkness overnight by a bonfire set among the flaming wreckage of an armoured vehicle, across the Tigris River from the government compound.

"They are shooting live fire at the Iraqi people and the revolutionaries. We can cross the bridge and take them out of the Green Zone!" a man shouted to Reuters TV.

"Abdul Mahdi, they will cross the bridge. You better resign. Resign. The people demand the fall of the regime!" he shouted as the crowd behind him took up a chant that swept the Middle East during popular uprisings across the region in 2011: "The people demand the fall of the regime!"

'Rage'

The unrest, fuelled by popular rage over poor living standards and corruption, is Iraq's biggest security challenge since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017. It is also the first test for Abdul Mahdi, installed last year by Shi'ite parties that have dominated Iraq since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein.

It also comes on the eve of the Arbaeen Shi'ite pilgrimage, which in recent years has drawn 20 million worshippers, trekking for days on foot across southern Iraq in the world's biggest annual gathering, ten times the size of the Mecca Hajj.

Pilgrims were already taking to the roads on Friday, although in what appeared to be smaller numbers than in recent years. Iran has closed one of the border crossings used by millions of pilgrims. Qatar has told its citizens to stay away.

A senior Iranian cleric blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel, saying they aimed to thwart the pilgrimage.

The Iraqi capital was quieter early on Friday ahead of Muslim prayers, although police fired live ammunition again in the morning to disperse small crowds. An ongoing curfew, defied by thousands of demonstrators on Thursday, saw the army and special forces deploy around central squares and streets.

Iraqis expect large protests to erupt later in the day.

Abdul Mahdi acknowledged the public discontent in his overnight television message, insisting politicians were aware of the suffering of the masses: "We do not live in ivory towers - we walk among you in the streets of Baghdad," he said.

He called for calm and for support from lawmakers to reshuffle cabinet posts away from the influence of big parties and groups. He said a basic wage for poor families would be discussed by the government, but that no "magic solutions" had been available to fix the country.

The protests could grow if they receive formal backing from the opposition political bloc of firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has long denounced corruption and the political elite.

'Revolution of Hunger'

"We Sadrists support the protests by all means, but we would wait for orders from our leader Sayyed Moqtada before we would take to the streets," a senior Sadrist politician, Awad Awadi, told Reuters. He called the protests "a revolution of hunger."

Ahmed al-Kinani, a lawmaker from a party linked to a powerful Iran-backed militia, said most of the protesters were simply demanding their rights, but a minority were using the demonstrations to target the security forces. His party was willing to do what it takes to calm the situation, including accepting a reshuffling of cabinet ministries.

Two years after the defeat of the Islamic State Sunni militant movement, Iraq has finally been at peace and free to trade for the first extended period since the 1970s, with oil exports at record levels. But Iraqis say they have seen few benefits, with infrastructure still in ruins and jobs scarce.

The death toll from days of violent demonstrations across Iraq surged to 46 on Friday, most of them killed in the last 24 hours, as unrest rapidly accelerated and the country's most powerful cleric placed the blame squarely on politicians.

The death toll from days of violent demonstrations across Iraq surged to 46 on Friday, most of them killed in the last 24 hours, as unrest rapidly accelerated and the country's most powerful cleric placed the blame squarely on politicians. In a rare intervention, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, whose word is law for most of Iraq's majority Shi'ites, called on protesters and the security forces to avoid violence. But he also ordered political factions to respond to protest demands. "It is sorrowful that there have been so many deaths, casualties and destruction," Sistani said in a letter read out by his representative Ahmed al-Safi during a sermon in the holy city of Kerbala. "The government and political sides have not answered the demands of the people to fight corruption or achieved anything on the ground," he said. "Parliament holds the biggest responsibility for what is happening." In an overnight TV address, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said he understood the frustration of the public but there was no "magic solution" to Iraq's problems. He pledged reforms, though these have so far drawn scorn from demonstrators. The violent demonstrations have escalated by the day since they first erupted on Tuesday, sweeping across the country spontaneously, without public backing from any organized political group and taking the authorities by surprise. Security forces have fired live ammunition at crowds of mainly young men, and gunmen have fired back. Hundreds of people have been wounded, including members of the security forces as well as demonstrators. Police and medical sources said the death toll included 18 people killed in the southern city of Nassiriya, 16 in the capital Baghdad, four in the southern city of Amara and four in Baquba, to the capital's north. Other deaths were reported in two other southern cities, Hilla and Najaf. Curfews were imposed in a number of cities. Authorities shut roads into the capital from the north and northeast and were sending reinforcements to Baghdad's densely-populated east. Military convoys were being sent to Nassiriya, the city worst hit by the violence. Protesters in Baghdad gathered in darkness overnight by a bonfire set among the flaming wreckage of an armoured vehicle, across the Tigris River from the government compound. "They are shooting live fire at the Iraqi people and the revolutionaries. We can cross the bridge and take them out of the Green Zone!" a man shouted to Reuters TV. "Abdul Mahdi, they will cross the bridge. You better resign. Resign. The people demand the fall of the regime!" he shouted as the crowd behind him took up a chant that swept the Middle East during popular uprisings across the region in 2011: "The people demand the fall of the regime!" 'Rage' The unrest, fuelled by popular rage over poor living standards and corruption, is Iraq's biggest security challenge since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017. It is also the first test for Abdul Mahdi, installed last year by Shi'ite parties that have dominated Iraq since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein. It also comes on the eve of the Arbaeen Shi'ite pilgrimage, which in recent years has drawn 20 million worshippers, trekking for days on foot across southern Iraq in the world's biggest annual gathering, ten times the size of the Mecca Hajj. Pilgrims were already taking to the roads on Friday, although in what appeared to be smaller numbers than in recent years. Iran has closed one of the border crossings used by millions of pilgrims. Qatar has told its citizens to stay away. A senior Iranian cleric blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel, saying they aimed to thwart the pilgrimage. The Iraqi capital was quieter early on Friday ahead of Muslim prayers, although police fired live ammunition again in the morning to disperse small crowds. An ongoing curfew, defied by thousands of demonstrators on Thursday, saw the army and special forces deploy around central squares and streets. Iraqis expect large protests to erupt later in the day. Abdul Mahdi acknowledged the public discontent in his overnight television message, insisting politicians were aware of the suffering of the masses: "We do not live in ivory towers - we walk among you in the streets of Baghdad," he said. He called for calm and for support from lawmakers to reshuffle cabinet posts away from the influence of big parties and groups. He said a basic wage for poor families would be discussed by the government, but that no "magic solutions" had been available to fix the country. The protests could grow if they receive formal backing from the opposition political bloc of firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has long denounced corruption and the political elite. 'Revolution of Hunger' "We Sadrists support the protests by all means, but we would wait for orders from our leader Sayyed Moqtada before we would take to the streets," a senior Sadrist politician, Awad Awadi, told Reuters. He called the protests "a revolution of hunger." Ahmed al-Kinani, a lawmaker from a party linked to a powerful Iran-backed militia, said most of the protesters were simply demanding their rights, but a minority were using the demonstrations to target the security forces. His party was willing to do what it takes to calm the situation, including accepting a reshuffling of cabinet ministries. Two years after the defeat of the Islamic State Sunni militant movement, Iraq has finally been at peace and free to trade for the first extended period since the 1970s, with oil exports at record levels. But Iraqis say they have seen few benefits, with infrastructure still in ruins and jobs scarce.

Death toll surges to 46 as Iraq unrest accelerates; no 'magic solution' says PM

The U.N. called on Iraq on Friday to rapidly and transparently investigate force used by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-in-bloody-protests-across-iraq-31-dead-253590">anti-riot police in clashes with protesters</a> that have left dozens dead.

"We call on the Iraqi Government to allow people to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the U.N. rights office, told journalists in Geneva.

Her appeal came as protesters continued to clash with anti-riot police on the fourth day of mass rallies that have left 34 people dead, according to an AFP count.

Hurtado said the U.N. rights office had independently confirmed 12 of those deaths in Baghdad, adding that "hundreds of other people have reportedly been injured, including members of the security forces".

"Dozens of demonstrators have been detained, although most were subsequently released," she said.

Demonstrations over corruption, unemployment and lacking services first broke out in Baghdad on Tuesday and have since spread to the Shiite-dominated south, while the northern and western provinces have remained relatively quiet.

They are unprecedented because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a country where rallies are typically called by politicians or religious figures.

"We are worried by reports that security forces have used live ammunition and rubber bullets in some areas, and have also fired tear gas canisters directly at protestors," Hurtado said, insisting that in dealing with demonstrations, "the use of force should be exceptional".

"Any use of force must comply with applicable international human rights norms and standards," she said, stressing that firearms should never be used "except as a last resort to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious injury."

"All incidents in which the actions of security forces have resulted in death and injury should be promptly, independently and transparently investigated," she said.

The U.N. rights office stressed that the demonstrators' demands for economic and social rights to be respected were "legitimate".

"People's grievances need to be heard," Hurtado said.

The U.N. was also deeply concerned about the detention of at least three journalists, two of whom had subsequently been released, warning that this risked "deterring other journalists from reporting on the situation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraq-declares-curfew-in-baghdad-until-further-notice-pm-adel-abdul-mahdi-253478">Cuts to internet service</a> across much of the country were also of concern, Hurtado said, stressing that "blanket internet shutdowns are likely to contravene freedom of expression."

The U.N. called on Iraq on Friday to rapidly and transparently investigate force used by anti-riot police in clashes with protesters that have left dozens dead. "We call on the Iraqi Government to allow people to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the U.

The U.N. called on Iraq on Friday to rapidly and transparently investigate force used by anti-riot police in clashes with protesters that have left dozens dead. "We call on the Iraqi Government to allow people to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the U.N. rights office, told journalists in Geneva. Her appeal came as protesters continued to clash with anti-riot police on the fourth day of mass rallies that have left 34 people dead, according to an AFP count. Hurtado said the U.N. rights office had independently confirmed 12 of those deaths in Baghdad, adding that "hundreds of other people have reportedly been injured, including members of the security forces". "Dozens of demonstrators have been detained, although most were subsequently released," she said. Demonstrations over corruption, unemployment and lacking services first broke out in Baghdad on Tuesday and have since spread to the Shiite-dominated south, while the northern and western provinces have remained relatively quiet. They are unprecedented because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a country where rallies are typically called by politicians or religious figures. "We are worried by reports that security forces have used live ammunition and rubber bullets in some areas, and have also fired tear gas canisters directly at protestors," Hurtado said, insisting that in dealing with demonstrations, "the use of force should be exceptional". "Any use of force must comply with applicable international human rights norms and standards," she said, stressing that firearms should never be used "except as a last resort to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious injury." "All incidents in which the actions of security forces have resulted in death and injury should be promptly, independently and transparently investigated," she said. The U.N. rights office stressed that the demonstrators' demands for economic and social rights to be respected were "legitimate". "People's grievances need to be heard," Hurtado said. The U.N. was also deeply concerned about the detention of at least three journalists, two of whom had subsequently been released, warning that this risked "deterring other journalists from reporting on the situation". Cuts to internet service across much of the country were also of concern, Hurtado said, stressing that "blanket internet shutdowns are likely to contravene freedom of expression."

U.N. urges Iraq to probe protest deaths 'transparently'

Police shot at a small group of protesters in Baghdad on Friday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-in-bloody-protests-across-iraq-31-dead-253590">three deadly days of anti-government unrest</a>, and Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said no "magic solution" was available, pledging vague reform unlikely to placate Iraqis.

At least 27 people have been killed so far in violent demonstrations that have escalated by the day, sweeping across southern cities since they first erupted on Tuesday.

The unrest, fuelled by popular rage over poor living standards and corruption, is the first major challenge for Abdul Mahdi, who took office last year backed by Shi'ite parties that have dominated Iraq since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein.

It also comes on the eve of the Arbaeen Shi'ite pilgrimage, when as many as 20 million worshippers are expected to journey for days on foot across southern Iraq in the world's biggest annual gathering, ten times the size of the Mecca Hajj.

The Iraqi capital was mostly quiet ahead of Muslim Friday prayers. An ongoing curfew, defied by thousands of demonstrators on Thursday, saw the army and special forces deploy around central squares and streets.

Iraqis expect large protests to erupt later in the day, absent a meaningful response from politicians they accuse of holding back Iraq's recovery from years of conflict through corruption and neglect.

Abdul Mahdi acknowledged the public discontent in an overnight television message, insisting politicians were aware of the suffering of the masses: "We do not live in ivory towers - we walk among you in the streets of Baghdad," he said.

He called for calm and for support from lawmakers to reshuffle cabinet posts away from the influence of big parties and groups. He said a basic wage for poor families would be discussed by the government, but that no "magic solutions" had been available to fix the country.

Out on the streets of Baghdad overnight, protesters gathered by a bonfire set among the flaming wreckage of an armoured vehicle, across the Tigris River from the government compound.

"They are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-police-fire-live-rounds-as-protesters-defy-curfew-253498">shooting live fire at the Iraqi people and the revolutionaries.</a> We can cross the bridge and take them out of the Green Zone!" a man shouted to Reuters TV

"Abdul Mahdi, they will cross the bridge. You better resign. Resign. The people demand the fall of the regime!" he shouted as the crowd behind him took up a chant that swept the Middle East during popular uprisings across the region in 2011: "The people demand the fall of the regime!"

Two years after the defeat of the Islamic State Sunni militant movement, Iraq has finally been at peace and free to trade for the first extended period since the 1970s. Oil production is at record levels providing windfall income for Baghdad. Yet after decades of war and sanctions, infrastructure is still decrepit, cities are in ruins and there are few employment opportunities for a population of 40 million.

Protesters say they funds are being siphoned off by political parties who have a firm grip on power in Baghdad.

They clashed with security forces in mass demonstrations that began in Baghdad on Tuesday and spread to cities in the southern Shi'ite heartland. Hundreds of people have been wounded as security forces opened fire to disperse the crowds, and demonstrators in some areas have shot back.

Police shot at a small group of protesters in Baghdad on Friday after three deadly days of anti-government unrest, and Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said no "magic solution" was available, pledging vague reform unlikely to placate Iraqis.

Police shot at a small group of protesters in Baghdad on Friday after three deadly days of anti-government unrest, and Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said no "magic solution" was available, pledging vague reform unlikely to placate Iraqis. At least 27 people have been killed so far in violent demonstrations that have escalated by the day, sweeping across southern cities since they first erupted on Tuesday. The unrest, fuelled by popular rage over poor living standards and corruption, is the first major challenge for Abdul Mahdi, who took office last year backed by Shi'ite parties that have dominated Iraq since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein. It also comes on the eve of the Arbaeen Shi'ite pilgrimage, when as many as 20 million worshippers are expected to journey for days on foot across southern Iraq in the world's biggest annual gathering, ten times the size of the Mecca Hajj. The Iraqi capital was mostly quiet ahead of Muslim Friday prayers. An ongoing curfew, defied by thousands of demonstrators on Thursday, saw the army and special forces deploy around central squares and streets. Iraqis expect large protests to erupt later in the day, absent a meaningful response from politicians they accuse of holding back Iraq's recovery from years of conflict through corruption and neglect. Abdul Mahdi acknowledged the public discontent in an overnight television message, insisting politicians were aware of the suffering of the masses: "We do not live in ivory towers - we walk among you in the streets of Baghdad," he said. He called for calm and for support from lawmakers to reshuffle cabinet posts away from the influence of big parties and groups. He said a basic wage for poor families would be discussed by the government, but that no "magic solutions" had been available to fix the country. Out on the streets of Baghdad overnight, protesters gathered by a bonfire set among the flaming wreckage of an armoured vehicle, across the Tigris River from the government compound. "They are shooting live fire at the Iraqi people and the revolutionaries. We can cross the bridge and take them out of the Green Zone!" a man shouted to Reuters TV "Abdul Mahdi, they will cross the bridge. You better resign. Resign. The people demand the fall of the regime!" he shouted as the crowd behind him took up a chant that swept the Middle East during popular uprisings across the region in 2011: "The people demand the fall of the regime!" Two years after the defeat of the Islamic State Sunni militant movement, Iraq has finally been at peace and free to trade for the first extended period since the 1970s. Oil production is at record levels providing windfall income for Baghdad. Yet after decades of war and sanctions, infrastructure is still decrepit, cities are in ruins and there are few employment opportunities for a population of 40 million. Protesters say they funds are being siphoned off by political parties who have a firm grip on power in Baghdad. They clashed with security forces in mass demonstrations that began in Baghdad on Tuesday and spread to cities in the southern Shi'ite heartland. Hundreds of people have been wounded as security forces opened fire to disperse the crowds, and demonstrators in some areas have shot back.

Iraqi forces fire at protesters in Baghdad after PM pledges vague reform

Why Iraqis are protesting?

Death toll climbs to at least 34 in Iraq on third day of protests

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