Two protesters were killed and Iraq declared a nationwide curfew after supporters of Muqtada Al-Sadr stormed the government palace in Baghdad's Green Zone. Molly Gambhir tells you why Iraq could soon descend into a civil war.

WION Fineprint | 2 protesters killed in clashes in Baghdad's Green Zone

The political impasse in Iraq has raised the risk of more violence. Over the weekend, the protesters stormed the parliament again. They have installed tents and refused to leave. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Iraq's political crisis raises risk of violence

Iraq remains mired in a political & socio-economic crisis. Protesters have once again breached Baghdad's green zone. They were carrying portraits of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr.

Iraq Political Crisis: Al-Sadr supporters enter Baghdad's green zone

Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr breached Iraq’s parliament on Saturday, for the second time this week. Iraqi security forces initially used tear gas and stun grenades to try to repel the protesters.

Iraq Political Crisis: Al-Sadr supporters storm parliament in Baghdad for second time in a week

A protestor was shot dead and dozens were injured during violence at a rally in Baghdad, where thousands gathered to demand accountability for killing key Iraqi activists and protesters.

Protesters and Police clash in Capital of Iraq, atleast 2 protesters killed

The Iraqi government said on Thursday that nearly 560 protesters and security forces were killed in months of anti-government unrest that erupted last year.

Iraq says nearly 560 protesters and security forces killed in anti-government unrest

A demonstrator was shot dead near the Iraqi capital's main protest camp by unidentified attackers using a gun silencer, medics said Saturday, as police reported a spate of activist abductions.

Around 550 people have been killed since the anti-government movement erupted in October and around 30,000 more have been wounded, a vast majority of them young demonstrators.&nbsp;

As the movement has dwindled, some hardcore protesters have opted to remain in the streets but they have been subject to ongoing violence.

Late on Friday, unidentified gunmen entered a tent near Baghdad's Tahrir Square and shot a male demonstrator inside with a silenced pistol, a medical source told AFP.

It was unclear why he was targeted.

Another protester who was nearby said he saw a crowd gathering around the tent and yelling before pulling the body out and taking it to a nearby hospital.

The young man was already dead.

Activists have for months complained of a campaign of targeted kidnappings and even assassinations aimed at keeping them from protesting and for which no one has been held accountable.

Between Friday and Saturday, at least three activists were abducted from different neighbourhoods across Baghdad, a police source told AFP.

The Iraqi Human Rights Commission has documented more than 2,700 arrests since protests erupted, with more than 300 people still detained.&nbsp;

More than 70 Iraqis are categorised as disappeared.

A demonstrator was shot dead near the Iraqi capital's main protest camp by unidentified attackers using a gun silencer, medics said Saturday, as police reported a spate of activist abductions.

A demonstrator was shot dead near the Iraqi capital's main protest camp by unidentified attackers using a gun silencer, medics said Saturday, as police reported a spate of activist abductions. Around 550 people have been killed since the anti-government movement erupted in October and around 30,000 more have been wounded, a vast majority of them young demonstrators. As the movement has dwindled, some hardcore protesters have opted to remain in the streets but they have been subject to ongoing violence. Late on Friday, unidentified gunmen entered a tent near Baghdad's Tahrir Square and shot a male demonstrator inside with a silenced pistol, a medical source told AFP. It was unclear why he was targeted. Another protester who was nearby said he saw a crowd gathering around the tent and yelling before pulling the body out and taking it to a nearby hospital. The young man was already dead. Activists have for months complained of a campaign of targeted kidnappings and even assassinations aimed at keeping them from protesting and for which no one has been held accountable. Between Friday and Saturday, at least three activists were abducted from different neighbourhoods across Baghdad, a police source told AFP. The Iraqi Human Rights Commission has documented more than 2,700 arrests since protests erupted, with more than 300 people still detained. More than 70 Iraqis are categorised as disappeared.

Protester shot dead in Iraqi capital

The United States stopped all weapons deliveries to Iraq in the midst of the growing tensions with the government in Baghdad, the US-based Inside Defense news site reported.

The freeze includes halting supplies for the new F-16 fleet, the report said on Monday citing Air Force spokesperson Brian Brackens.

The Pentagon will resume shipments "when the environment in Iraq is safe enough," Brackens said, according to the report.

On Sunday, three missiles landed on the US embassy's territory in Baghdad, with one of the missiles hitting the embassy’s restaurant. Several people were reportedly injured.

In early January, the Iraqi parliament voted to expel all foreign forces from the country and also raised the voice for ceasing cooperation with the international coalition. This came as a response to Washington's operation, in which Abu Mahdi Muhandis, the deputy commander of the Iraqi Shia militia, and Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian top general - both allegedly involved in the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad on December 31 - were killed.

Washington has threatened that it will impose sanctions on Iraq if the US forces are expelled. Meanwhile, when Salih met with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the latter reiterated US’s support for stability in Iraq.&nbsp;

The United States stopped all weapons deliveries to Iraq in the midst of the growing tensions with the government in Baghdad, the US-based Inside Defense news site reported.

The United States stopped all weapons deliveries to Iraq in the midst of the growing tensions with the government in Baghdad, the US-based Inside Defense news site reported. The freeze includes halting supplies for the new F-16 fleet, the report said on Monday citing Air Force spokesperson Brian Brackens. The Pentagon will resume shipments "when the environment in Iraq is safe enough," Brackens said, according to the report. On Sunday, three missiles landed on the US embassy's territory in Baghdad, with one of the missiles hitting the embassy’s restaurant. Several people were reportedly injured. In early January, the Iraqi parliament voted to expel all foreign forces from the country and also raised the voice for ceasing cooperation with the international coalition. This came as a response to Washington's operation, in which Abu Mahdi Muhandis, the deputy commander of the Iraqi Shia militia, and Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian top general - both allegedly involved in the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad on December 31 - were killed. Washington has threatened that it will impose sanctions on Iraq if the US forces are expelled. Meanwhile, when Salih met with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the latter reiterated US’s support for stability in Iraq.

US stops weapons delivery to Iraq amid tensions with Baghdad: Reports

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site on Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing bullets and tear gas at anti-government protesters who camped there for months.

Iraq Protests: Three Protesters Shot Dead In Clashes With Police

Iraq Protests: Security Forces Fire Live Rounds At Protesters

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site at Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing live rounds and tear gas at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-resurgence-possible-if-america-leaves-iraq-us-general-276003">anti-government demonstrators </a>who have camped out there for months, Reuters reporters said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties but at least seven people were wounded in clashes with police earlier in the day, medics and security sources said.

The clashes took place after authorities began <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-resurgence-possible-if-america-leaves-iraq-us-general-276003https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-resurgence-possible-if-america-leaves-iraq-us-general-276003https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-resurgence-possible-if-america-leaves-iraq-us-general-276003">removing concrete barriers near Tahrir Square</a> and across at least one main bridge over the Tigris River in Baghdad.

In the southern city of Basra, security forces raided the main anti-government sit-in overnight and deployed in force to stop protesters gathering there again, security sources said. Police arrested at least 16 protesters in Basra, they said.

The actions appeared to be an attempt to fully clear out anti-government sit-ins and end months of popular demonstrations that have called for the removal of Iraq's entire ruling elite.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-people-including-two-policemen-killed-as-protests-erupt-in-iraq-275553">Security forces</a> began the raids just hours after populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said he wound halt the involvement of his supporters in the anti-government unrest.

Sadr had supported the demands of protesters for the removal of corrupt politicians and provision of services and jobs soon after the demonstrations began in October but stopped short of calling all his followers to join in.

Many of Sadr's millions of supporters who hail from Baghdad's slums have been involved in demonstrations, however.

Sadr's followers held a march on Friday calling for a removal of US troops from the country in a rally separate from the anti-government protests. The march, which some observers expected to descend into violence, dissipated after several hours.

Sadr wrote on Twitter late on Friday that he would "try not to interfere in the issue (of protesters), either negatively or positively, so that they can shepherd the fate of Iraq." He did not elaborate.

In Basra, protesters urged Sadr to reconsider what they said was a withdrawal of support for popular demonstrations. In a letter circulated on social media, they called for the support of Sadrists, without whom they feared attacks by security forces.

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site at Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing live rounds and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators who have camped out there for months, Reuters reporters said.

Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's main protest site at Tahrir Square on Saturday, firing live rounds and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators who have camped out there for months, Reuters reporters said. There were no immediate reports of casualties but at least seven people were wounded in clashes with police earlier in the day, medics and security sources said. The clashes took place after authorities began removing concrete barriers near Tahrir Square and across at least one main bridge over the Tigris River in Baghdad. In the southern city of Basra, security forces raided the main anti-government sit-in overnight and deployed in force to stop protesters gathering there again, security sources said. Police arrested at least 16 protesters in Basra, they said. The actions appeared to be an attempt to fully clear out anti-government sit-ins and end months of popular demonstrations that have called for the removal of Iraq's entire ruling elite. Security forces began the raids just hours after populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said he wound halt the involvement of his supporters in the anti-government unrest. Sadr had supported the demands of protesters for the removal of corrupt politicians and provision of services and jobs soon after the demonstrations began in October but stopped short of calling all his followers to join in. Many of Sadr's millions of supporters who hail from Baghdad's slums have been involved in demonstrations, however. Sadr's followers held a march on Friday calling for a removal of US troops from the country in a rally separate from the anti-government protests. The march, which some observers expected to descend into violence, dissipated after several hours. Sadr wrote on Twitter late on Friday that he would "try not to interfere in the issue (of protesters), either negatively or positively, so that they can shepherd the fate of Iraq." He did not elaborate. In Basra, protesters urged Sadr to reconsider what they said was a withdrawal of support for popular demonstrations. In a letter circulated on social media, they called for the support of Sadrists, without whom they feared attacks by security forces.

Iraqi security forces raid Baghdad's main protest camp, shoot at demonstrators

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-authorities-lift-baghdad-curfew-253920">Baghdad</a> on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. &nbsp;

The march has rattled the separate, months-old protest movement that has gripped the capital and the Shiite-majority south since October, demanding a government overhaul, early elections, and more accountability.

In the early hours of Friday, thousands of men, women, and children of all ages massed under grey skies in the Jadiriyah district of east Baghdad.

"Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!"&nbsp;

The American military presence has been a hot-button issue in Iraq since a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad airport&nbsp;on January 3.

Two days later, parliament voted for all foreign troops -- including some 5,200 US personnel -- to leave the country.

The vote was non-binding and a senior US official said Thursday that Washington had yet to open talks with Baghdad on a troop pullout.

"There has not been any real engagement," said ambassador James Jeffrey, the US special envoy for Syria and the coalition against the Islamic State group.

<img alt=" US troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02ac7ba8-8785-4a90-a2de-4f4a58f9eeb7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_10.jpg" />

But he added that operations against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-jihadists-killed-in-russia-strikes-on-idlib-monitor-253924">jihadists</a> had been on hold since the drone strike, which triggered retaliatory Iranian missile strikes targeting US troops in Iraq.

"Coalition operations have been primarily on pause in Iraq as we focus on force protection and looking into the way forward with the Iraqi government," Jeffrey said.

Long opposed to the US troop presence, Sadr seized on the public anger over the drone strike to call "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations".

Several pro-Iran factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, usually rivals of Sadr, have backed his call and pledged to join.

Preparations were in full swing as early as noon on Thursday, with additional checkpoints across Baghdad to secure the protest area and buses ferrying in people for the rally.&nbsp;

But separate anti-government protesters, who have braved violence that has left 470 people dead since October, fear their cause could be eclipsed by Sadr's powerplay.

"Sadr doesn't represent us," one teenager said defiantly late Thursday on a blocked-off thoroughfare in Baghdad.

To head off Friday's gathering and ramp up pressure on authorities to enact reforms, young demonstrators blocked streets in Baghdad and across the south this week.&nbsp;

When Sadr announced the rally last week, many feared he would hold it near Tahrir (Liberation) Square -- the main focus of the long-running protests.

But his spokesman Saleh al-Obeidy said late Wednesday that they had chosen Jadiriyah, near Baghdad University, as the gathering place.&nbsp;

That, in turn, has sparked worry that angry crowds could attack the presidential palace or the high-security Green Zone, home to the US embassy and other foreign missions.&nbsp;

The move would not be without precedent for Sadr, who urged followers to storm the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-rockets-crash-into-iraqs-green-zone-no-casualties-reported-273079">Green Zone</a> in 2016 in a challenge to the government over undelivered reforms.&nbsp;

<img alt=" US troops" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="45d5c27d-bd48-479a-b18a-c3f5482b792a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_12.jpg" />

Sadr battled US forces at the head of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-firebrand-cleric-sadr-makes-comeback-in-vote-initial-results-suggest-136602">Mehdi Army militia</a> after the US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

He later branded himself a reformist and backed the recent anti-government protests when they erupted in October.

The firebrand cleric controls parliament's largest bloc and his followers hold top ministerial positions.&nbsp;

The 46-year-old is a notoriously fickle politician, known for switching alliances quickly.

"Some sides representing the October revolutionaries think Iran is solely responsible for Iraq's ruin and others represented by the Hashed or its supporters say America is the source of ruin," Obeidy said Wednesday.

"We believe that both are behind this ruin, and Sadr is trying to balance between the two."&nbsp;

Harith Hasan of the Carnegie Middle East Center said Sadr was trying to sustain his "multiple identities" by backing various protests.&nbsp;

"On the one hand, (he seeks to) position himself as the leader of a reform movement, as a populist, as anti-establishment," Hasan told AFP.

"On the other hand, he also wants to sustain his image as the leader of the resistance to the 'American occupation'," partly to win favour with Iran.

Sadr may also have domestic motivations, Hasan said.&nbsp;

"This protest will show Sadr is still the one able to mobilise large groups of people in the streets -- but it's also possible he wants other groups to respond by giving him more space to choose the prime minister."

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in Baghdad on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge.

Thousands of supporters of volatile Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in Baghdad on Friday for a "million-strong" march to demand the ouster of US troops, putting the protest-hit capital on edge. The march has rattled the separate, months-old protest movement that has gripped the capital and the Shiite-majority south since October, demanding a government overhaul, early elections, and more accountability. In the early hours of Friday, thousands of men, women, and children of all ages massed under grey skies in the Jadiriyah district of east Baghdad. "Get out, get out, occupier!" some shouted, while others chanted, "Yes to sovereignty!" The American military presence has been a hot-button issue in Iraq since a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad airport on January 3. Two days later, parliament voted for all foreign troops -- including some 5,200 US personnel -- to leave the country. The vote was non-binding and a senior US official said Thursday that Washington had yet to open talks with Baghdad on a troop pullout. "There has not been any real engagement," said ambassador James Jeffrey, the US special envoy for Syria and the coalition against the Islamic State group. But he added that operations against the jihadists had been on hold since the drone strike, which triggered retaliatory Iranian missile strikes targeting US troops in Iraq. "Coalition operations have been primarily on pause in Iraq as we focus on force protection and looking into the way forward with the Iraqi government," Jeffrey said. Long opposed to the US troop presence, Sadr seized on the public anger over the drone strike to call "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations". Several pro-Iran factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, usually rivals of Sadr, have backed his call and pledged to join. Preparations were in full swing as early as noon on Thursday, with additional checkpoints across Baghdad to secure the protest area and buses ferrying in people for the rally. But separate anti-government protesters, who have braved violence that has left 470 people dead since October, fear their cause could be eclipsed by Sadr's powerplay. "Sadr doesn't represent us," one teenager said defiantly late Thursday on a blocked-off thoroughfare in Baghdad. To head off Friday's gathering and ramp up pressure on authorities to enact reforms, young demonstrators blocked streets in Baghdad and across the south this week. When Sadr announced the rally last week, many feared he would hold it near Tahrir (Liberation) Square -- the main focus of the long-running protests. But his spokesman Saleh al-Obeidy said late Wednesday that they had chosen Jadiriyah, near Baghdad University, as the gathering place. That, in turn, has sparked worry that angry crowds could attack the presidential palace or the high-security Green Zone, home to the US embassy and other foreign missions. The move would not be without precedent for Sadr, who urged followers to storm the Green Zone in 2016 in a challenge to the government over undelivered reforms. Sadr battled US forces at the head of his Mehdi Army militia after the US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. He later branded himself a reformist and backed the recent anti-government protests when they erupted in October. The firebrand cleric controls parliament's largest bloc and his followers hold top ministerial positions. The 46-year-old is a notoriously fickle politician, known for switching alliances quickly. "Some sides representing the October revolutionaries think Iran is solely responsible for Iraq's ruin and others represented by the Hashed or its supporters say America is the source of ruin," Obeidy said Wednesday. "We believe that both are behind this ruin, and Sadr is trying to balance between the two." Harith Hasan of the Carnegie Middle East Center said Sadr was trying to sustain his "multiple identities" by backing various protests. "On the one hand, (he seeks to) position himself as the leader of a reform movement, as a populist, as anti-establishment," Hasan told AFP. "On the other hand, he also wants to sustain his image as the leader of the resistance to the 'American occupation'," partly to win favour with Iran. Sadr may also have domestic motivations, Hasan said. "This protest will show Sadr is still the one able to mobilise large groups of people in the streets -- but it's also possible he wants other groups to respond by giving him more space to choose the prime minister."

Thousands join anti-US rally in Baghdad, rattling rival protesters

Four Iraqis including two police officers were killed and scores were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Monday in clashes with security forces, medical and security sources said, as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks.

Two protesters succumbed to their wounds in a Baghdad hospital after police fired live rounds of ammunition in Baghdad's Tayaran Square, security and medical sources said. One protester was shot by a live bullet in the head, while the second was hit by a tear gas canister, the sources added.

Protesters threw petrol bombs and stones at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades, Reuters witnesses said.

"They (security forces) should stop shooting and aiming, who are they and who are we? Both sides are Iraqis. So why are you killing your brothers?" said one woman protester in Baghdad who declined to give her name.

In the Iraqi oil city of Basra, two policemen were struck and killed by a civilian car during the protest, security sources said. The driver was trying to avoid the scene of clashes between protesters and security forces when he drove into the two officers, they said.

Elsewhere in southern Iraq, hundreds of protesters burned tyres and blocked main roads in several cities, including Nassiriya, Kerbala and Amara. They say Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not fulfilled promises including naming a new government acceptable to Iraqis.

Baghdad police said its forces had reopened all roads that were closed by "violent gatherings". It said 14 officers were wounded near Tahrir square, including some with head wounds and broken bones.

Traffic was disrupted on a highway linking Baghdad to southern cities, a Reuters witness said. Production in southern oilfields was unaffected by the unrest, oil officials said.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October&nbsp;1, with mostly young protesters demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and as keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed.

Numbers had dwindled but protests resumed last week as demonstrators sought to keep up the momentum after attention turned to the threat of a US-Iran conflict following Washington's killing of Tehran's top general in an airstrike inside Iraq.

The killing of Qassem Soleimani, to which Tehran responded with a ballistic missile attack on two Iraqi military bases housing US&nbsp;troops, has highlighted the influence of some foreign powers in Iraq, especially Iran and the United States.

Four Iraqis including two police officers were killed and scores were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Monday in clashes with security forces, medical and security sources said, as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks.

Four Iraqis including two police officers were killed and scores were wounded in Baghdad and other cities on Monday in clashes with security forces, medical and security sources said, as anti-government unrest resumed after a lull of several weeks. Two protesters succumbed to their wounds in a Baghdad hospital after police fired live rounds of ammunition in Baghdad's Tayaran Square, security and medical sources said. One protester was shot by a live bullet in the head, while the second was hit by a tear gas canister, the sources added. Protesters threw petrol bombs and stones at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades, Reuters witnesses said. "They (security forces) should stop shooting and aiming, who are they and who are we? Both sides are Iraqis. So why are you killing your brothers?" said one woman protester in Baghdad who declined to give her name. In the Iraqi oil city of Basra, two policemen were struck and killed by a civilian car during the protest, security sources said. The driver was trying to avoid the scene of clashes between protesters and security forces when he drove into the two officers, they said. Elsewhere in southern Iraq, hundreds of protesters burned tyres and blocked main roads in several cities, including Nassiriya, Kerbala and Amara. They say Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has not fulfilled promises including naming a new government acceptable to Iraqis. Baghdad police said its forces had reopened all roads that were closed by "violent gatherings". It said 14 officers were wounded near Tahrir square, including some with head wounds and broken bones. Traffic was disrupted on a highway linking Baghdad to southern cities, a Reuters witness said. Production in southern oilfields was unaffected by the unrest, oil officials said. Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October 1, with mostly young protesters demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and as keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed. Numbers had dwindled but protests resumed last week as demonstrators sought to keep up the momentum after attention turned to the threat of a US-Iran conflict following Washington's killing of Tehran's top general in an airstrike inside Iraq. The killing of Qassem Soleimani, to which Tehran responded with a ballistic missile attack on two Iraqi military bases housing US troops, has highlighted the influence of some foreign powers in Iraq, especially Iran and the United States.

4 people including two policemen killed as protests erupt in Iraq

Iraqi youth angry at their government's glacial pace of reform ramped up their protests on Sunday, sealing streets with burning tyres and threatening further escalation unless their demands are met.

The rallies demanding an overhaul of the ruling system have rocked Shiite-majority parts of Iraq since October but had thinned out in recent weeks amid rising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-powers-to-discuss-ways-out-libya-crisis-with-rival-camps-275217">Iran-US tensions</a>.

Protesters had feared Iraq would be caught in the middle of the geopolitical storm and last Monday gave the government one week to make progress on reform pledges.

A day before the deadline expires, hundreds of angry young people descended on the main protest camp in Baghdad's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-iraqis-rally-against-government-iran-and-us-273470">Tahrir Square</a> as well as nearby Tayaran Square.

They burned tyres to block highways and bridges, turning back cars and causing traffic jams across the city.&nbsp;

At least 10 people including police officers were wounded when security forces tried to clear the sit-ins with tear gas and protesters responded by throwing rocks, medical and security sources told reporters.&nbsp;

"This is only the first escalation," one protester with a scarf wrapped around his face as smoke from the tyres turned the sky behind him a charcoal grey.

"We want to send a message to the government: Stop procrastinating! The people know what you're doing," he said, adding ominously: "Tomorrow the deadline ends, and then things could get totally of control."&nbsp;

Protesters are demanding early elections based on a reformed voting law, a new prime minister to replace current caretaker premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-tensions-washington-turns-down-iraqi-request-to-remove-troops-273509">Adel Abdel Mahdi</a> and that officials deemed corrupt be held to account.

Abdel Mahdi resigned nearly two months ago, but political parties have thus far failed to agree on a successor and he has continued to run the government as a caretaker.

Demonstrators have publicly rejected the names circulating as possible replacements and are furious that other sweeping reform measures have not been implemented.

"We began to escalate today because the government did not respond to our demands, notably forming an independent government that could save Iraq," said Haydar Kadhim, a demonstrator in the southern protest hotspot of Nasiriyah.&nbsp;

"Last Monday, we gave them a deadline of seven days. That deadline ends tonight," Kadhim told reporters.

A fellow protester, 20-year-old university student Mohammad Kareem, said more escalation could come.&nbsp;

"We gave the government a timeframe to implement our demands, but it looks like it doesn't care one bit," he said.

"We will keep up our movement and keep escalating to confront this government, which continues to procrastinate," Kareem told reporters.

Rallies also swelled in the cities of Kut, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paralysis-in-iraq-as-protesters-harden-position-270033">Diwaniyah</a>, and Amara, where most government offices, schools, and universities have been shuttered for months.

In the holy city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-mourners-pay-respect-as-qasem-soleimanis-body-reaches-iran-272228">Najaf</a>, youth wrapped in checkered black-and-white scarves and carrying Iraqi flags lit tyres and began a sit-in on a main road leading to the capital.

Further the south in the oil-rich port city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-kill-one-protester-wound-25-sources-275090">Basra</a>, students gathered in an ongoing strike in support of the rallies elsewhere.

The protests are the largest and bloodiest grassroots movement in Iraq in decades, with nearly 460 people dead and over 25,000 wounded since they erupted on October 1.

While the violence at the protests themselves has dropped slightly, activists say they face an escalating campaign of intimidation, kidnapping and assassination attempts.

Young protesters are also apprehensive about a rival protest on January 24 organized by firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr in order to pressure US forces to leave.

Last week, Sadr urged Iraqis to hold "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations".

Iraqi political figures have ramped up their calls for foreign forces&nbsp;including some 5,200 US troops to leave the country following a US drone strike that killed Iran's revered Quds Force chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-iran-shot-down-ukranian-passenger-plane-after-us-jets-were-seen-at-its-borders-275045">Qasem Soleimani</a> and top Iraqi military official Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.&nbsp;

Both were key brokers in Iraq's political scene, which has been left reeling by their absence.&nbsp;

Iraq's parliament voted on January 5 in favor of ousting foreign forces but the legal procedure for doing so remains murky.

Bases, where US forces are stationed, have been under a steady stream of rocket attacks for several months that have killed one American contractor and one Iraqi soldier.

Iraqi youth angry at their government's glacial pace of reform ramped up their protests on Sunday, sealing streets with burning tyres and threatening further escalation unless their demands are met.

Iraqi youth angry at their government's glacial pace of reform ramped up their protests on Sunday, sealing streets with burning tyres and threatening further escalation unless their demands are met. The rallies demanding an overhaul of the ruling system have rocked Shiite-majority parts of Iraq since October but had thinned out in recent weeks amid rising Iran-US tensions. Protesters had feared Iraq would be caught in the middle of the geopolitical storm and last Monday gave the government one week to make progress on reform pledges. A day before the deadline expires, hundreds of angry young people descended on the main protest camp in Baghdad's Tahrir Square as well as nearby Tayaran Square. They burned tyres to block highways and bridges, turning back cars and causing traffic jams across the city. At least 10 people including police officers were wounded when security forces tried to clear the sit-ins with tear gas and protesters responded by throwing rocks, medical and security sources told reporters. "This is only the first escalation," one protester with a scarf wrapped around his face as smoke from the tyres turned the sky behind him a charcoal grey. "We want to send a message to the government: Stop procrastinating! The people know what you're doing," he said, adding ominously: "Tomorrow the deadline ends, and then things could get totally of control." Protesters are demanding early elections based on a reformed voting law, a new prime minister to replace current caretaker premier Adel Abdel Mahdi and that officials deemed corrupt be held to account. Abdel Mahdi resigned nearly two months ago, but political parties have thus far failed to agree on a successor and he has continued to run the government as a caretaker. Demonstrators have publicly rejected the names circulating as possible replacements and are furious that other sweeping reform measures have not been implemented. "We began to escalate today because the government did not respond to our demands, notably forming an independent government that could save Iraq," said Haydar Kadhim, a demonstrator in the southern protest hotspot of Nasiriyah. "Last Monday, we gave them a deadline of seven days. That deadline ends tonight," Kadhim told reporters. A fellow protester, 20-year-old university student Mohammad Kareem, said more escalation could come. "We gave the government a timeframe to implement our demands, but it looks like it doesn't care one bit," he said. "We will keep up our movement and keep escalating to confront this government, which continues to procrastinate," Kareem told reporters. Rallies also swelled in the cities of Kut, Diwaniyah, and Amara, where most government offices, schools, and universities have been shuttered for months. In the holy city of Najaf, youth wrapped in checkered black-and-white scarves and carrying Iraqi flags lit tyres and began a sit-in on a main road leading to the capital. Further the south in the oil-rich port city of Basra, students gathered in an ongoing strike in support of the rallies elsewhere. The protests are the largest and bloodiest grassroots movement in Iraq in decades, with nearly 460 people dead and over 25,000 wounded since they erupted on October 1. While the violence at the protests themselves has dropped slightly, activists say they face an escalating campaign of intimidation, kidnapping and assassination attempts. Young protesters are also apprehensive about a rival protest on January 24 organized by firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr in order to pressure US forces to leave. Last week, Sadr urged Iraqis to hold "a million-strong, peaceful, unified demonstration to condemn the American presence and its violations". Iraqi political figures have ramped up their calls for foreign forces including some 5,200 US troops to leave the country following a US drone strike that killed Iran's revered Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani and top Iraqi military official Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Both were key brokers in Iraq's political scene, which has been left reeling by their absence. Iraq's parliament voted on January 5 in favor of ousting foreign forces but the legal procedure for doing so remains murky. Bases, where US forces are stationed, have been under a steady stream of rocket attacks for several months that have killed one American contractor and one Iraqi soldier.

Iraq: Angry youth step up protest at 'slow pace of reforms'

An Iraqi paramilitary leader and a politician have laughed off financial sanctions Washington recently placed on them for alleged corruption and human rights abuses.&nbsp;

"They should have given us this honour a long time ago," said Qais al-Khazali, one of the newly-sanctioned figures, in sardonic remarks to an audience of supporters on Sunday.

Khazali heads Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a pro-Iran armed faction that makes up part of the broader Hashed al-Shaabi security force tied to the Iraqi state.&nbsp;

The US Treasury on Friday accused his group of "widespread forced disappearances, abductions, killings, and torture" under the Global Magnitsky act.

The measures block financial transactions with and travel to the US for people who commit human rights abuses or corruption.

"I'm embarrassed. Designate me a terrorist! A global terrorist. What is this Treasury list?" Khazali said.

"That means the money we have in US banks will go," he added sarcastically.&nbsp;

The US also sanctioned Iraqi businessman and political figure Khamees al-Khanjar, whom it accused of bribery.

In a statement, Khanjar's party condemned the decision and said the accusations were "extremely funny and illogical."

"He was never an official, nor was his party part of the government," invalidating the corruption allegation, it said.

Khanjar is an influential Sunni powerbroker with close ties across Iraq's leading political parties.&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from two other paramilitary figures sanctioned on Friday: Laith al-Khazali, Qais's brother and also a member of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Abu Zeinab al-Lami, who heads the Hashed's security apparatus.

This is the second batch of Iraqi nationals the US has sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky act.

An Iraqi paramilitary leader and a politician have laughed off financial sanctions Washington recently placed on them for alleged corruption and human rights abuses.

An Iraqi paramilitary leader and a politician have laughed off financial sanctions Washington recently placed on them for alleged corruption and human rights abuses. "They should have given us this honour a long time ago," said Qais al-Khazali, one of the newly-sanctioned figures, in sardonic remarks to an audience of supporters on Sunday. Khazali heads Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a pro-Iran armed faction that makes up part of the broader Hashed al-Shaabi security force tied to the Iraqi state. The US Treasury on Friday accused his group of "widespread forced disappearances, abductions, killings, and torture" under the Global Magnitsky act. The measures block financial transactions with and travel to the US for people who commit human rights abuses or corruption. "I'm embarrassed. Designate me a terrorist! A global terrorist. What is this Treasury list?" Khazali said. "That means the money we have in US banks will go," he added sarcastically. The US also sanctioned Iraqi businessman and political figure Khamees al-Khanjar, whom it accused of bribery. In a statement, Khanjar's party condemned the decision and said the accusations were "extremely funny and illogical." "He was never an official, nor was his party part of the government," invalidating the corruption allegation, it said. Khanjar is an influential Sunni powerbroker with close ties across Iraq's leading political parties. There was no immediate comment from two other paramilitary figures sanctioned on Friday: Laith al-Khazali, Qais's brother and also a member of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Abu Zeinab al-Lami, who heads the Hashed's security apparatus. This is the second batch of Iraqi nationals the US has sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky act.

'Hilarious': Iraq leaders laugh off new US sanctions

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

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

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

Rocket hits Iraqi cleric's home following deadly Baghdad attack

Massive protests continued in Iraq's capital city Baghdad and its southern region on Sunday as thousands of demonstrators gathered around streets and public squares undeterred by the use of violence to "scare" them.&nbsp;

The protesters'&nbsp;unrelenting resistance continued despite late <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-jumps-to-17-in-attack-on-protesters-camp-in-iraq-266818">Friday's violence</a> when unidentified gunmen attacked a major protester camp near Tahrir Square, which killed nearly 20 demonstrators and four cops, news agency AFP reported.

In capital city Baghdad, massive anti-regime demonstrators thronged Tahrir Square on Sunday, one of the central points of the movement.&nbsp;

The support for the movement has risen despite the incident of violence on Friday.&nbsp;

"They're trying to scare us in whatever ways they can, but we're staying in the streets," said a 23-year-old protester.&nbsp;

In Nasiriyah, protesters gathered along with representatives of influential tribes at a place where dozens of demonstrators were killed last month.&nbsp;

"We will keep protesting until the regime collapses," a student said.

In other southern cities in Iraq, Sunday, the first working day in Iraq, was declared as a public holiday for civil servants.&nbsp;Roadblocks and strikes affected work in Hilla, Amara, Diwaniya, Kut and the shrine city of Najaf. &nbsp;

The unrest in Iraq intensified on Saturday when an armed drone attacked the home of Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr.

Sadr, who earlier backed the current government, has shown his solidarity with the protesters.&nbsp;

Sadr's supporters also condemned Friday's attack, claiming&nbsp;that he was safe and in Iran when his home was attacked.

More than two months have passed since the protests first began in Iraq over issues such as corruption and unemployment, among others, killing more than 400 people and injuring nearly 20,000.

The discontent&nbsp;remained despite the resignation of Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, as protesters demand a complete change in the political system.&nbsp;

Iraq is the world's 12th most corrupt country as per a report by the watchdog group Transparency International. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Massive protests continued in Iraq's capital city Baghdad and its southern region on Sunday as thousands of demonstrators gathered around streets and public squares undeterred by the use of violence to "scare" them.

Massive protests continued in Iraq's capital city Baghdad and its southern region on Sunday as thousands of demonstrators gathered around streets and public squares undeterred by the use of violence to "scare" them. The protesters' unrelenting resistance continued despite late Friday's violence when unidentified gunmen attacked a major protester camp near Tahrir Square, which killed nearly 20 demonstrators and four cops, news agency AFP reported. In capital city Baghdad, massive anti-regime demonstrators thronged Tahrir Square on Sunday, one of the central points of the movement. The support for the movement has risen despite the incident of violence on Friday. "They're trying to scare us in whatever ways they can, but we're staying in the streets," said a 23-year-old protester. In Nasiriyah, protesters gathered along with representatives of influential tribes at a place where dozens of demonstrators were killed last month. "We will keep protesting until the regime collapses," a student said. In other southern cities in Iraq, Sunday, the first working day in Iraq, was declared as a public holiday for civil servants. Roadblocks and strikes affected work in Hilla, Amara, Diwaniya, Kut and the shrine city of Najaf. The unrest in Iraq intensified on Saturday when an armed drone attacked the home of Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr. Sadr, who earlier backed the current government, has shown his solidarity with the protesters. Sadr's supporters also condemned Friday's attack, claiming that he was safe and in Iran when his home was attacked. More than two months have passed since the protests first began in Iraq over issues such as corruption and unemployment, among others, killing more than 400 people and injuring nearly 20,000. The discontent remained despite the resignation of Iraqi prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, as protesters demand a complete change in the political system. Iraq is the world's 12th most corrupt country as per a report by the watchdog group Transparency International. (With inputs from agencies)

Massive protests choke Baghdad, southern Iraq despite Friday's attack

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

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

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

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

Iraq's Adel Abdel Mahdi, consensus leader brought down by street fury

Iraq's parliament approved the resignation of the embattled cabinet on Sunday, after two months of violent unrest that have left more than 420 people dead and thousands mourning them in nationwide marches.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said Friday he would submit his resignation to parliament following a spike in the death toll among protesters who accuse the entire ruling elite of being inept, corrupt and beholden to foreign powers.

The demonstrations spread from their epicentre in Baghdad and the mostly Shiite south to the northern, majority-Sunni city of Mosul, where hundreds of students dressed in black organised a mourning march for fallen activists.

Parliament opened its session on Sunday afternoon and within minutes had approved Abdel Mahdi's resignation, which according to the constitution renders him and the entire cabinet a "caretaker government."

The speaker of parliament said he would now ask President Barham Saleh to name a new prime minister.

Just before the session began, another protester was shot dead in the capital, medical sources said.

The protest movement is Iraq's biggest since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled Saddam Hussein and installed a democratic system in the oil-rich but poverty-plagued nation.

The demonstrators have vented their anger at neighbouring Iran, which is seen to wield huge influence in Iraq, with protesters last week burning down an Iranian consulate.

"Abdel Mahdi should leave, so should parliament and the parties, and Iran," said a young demonstrator on Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) Square, the centre of the protest movement that started in early October.

First death sentence

In other developments, an Iraqi court sentenced a police officer to death on Sunday after convicting him of killing demonstrators, the first such sentence in two months of deadly civil unrest.

The Kut criminal court sentenced the police major to be hanged and jailed a police lieutenant colonel for seven years for their roles in the deaths of seven protesters in the southern city on November 2, judicial sources said.

In Mosul, protesters were marching in solidarity with activists elsewhere in the country.

"It's the least Mosul can give to the martyrs of Dhi Qar and Najaf," said Zahraa Ahmed, a dentistry student, naming the two provinces where most of the recent deaths took place.&nbsp;

"The protesters are asking for their basic rights so the government should have answered from the beginning."

Previously, most Sunni-majority areas had refrained from protesting, fearing that opposing the central government would earn them the labels of being "terrorists" or supporters of Saddam Hussein.

For three years, Mosul was the heart of the Islamic State group's ultra-conservative "caliphate", and much of it still lies in ruins today.

Another student in Mosul, Hussein Kheder, carrying an Iraqi flag, said the whole country was now on the same page politically and told AFP that "now the government needs to heed the protesters' demands".

In Salaheddin, a Sunni-majority province north of Baghdad where rallies were held for the first time, authorities had already declared on Friday three days of mourning for the victims.&nbsp;

And eight Shiite-majority provinces &nbsp;announced a day of mourning on Sunday during which government offices would remain shut.

More than 20 people were killed in the Shiite shrine city of Najaf, 40 people in the hotspot of Nasiriyah and three in the capital Baghdad in three consecutive days of violence.

On Sunday, an AFP correspondent reported calm in Nasiriyah, the birthplace of Abdel Mahdi, who came to power just a year ago based on a shaky alliance between rival parties.

He had resisted protesters' calls for him to step down over the past two months.

But the crackdown turned the tide this week, as it prompted Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, to call on parliament to drop its support for the premier.

In quick succession, political factions indicated they would support a no-confidence motion.

Iraq's parliament approved the resignation of the embattled cabinet on Sunday, after two months of violent unrest that have left more than 420 people dead and thousands mourning them in nationwide marches.

Iraq's parliament approved the resignation of the embattled cabinet on Sunday, after two months of violent unrest that have left more than 420 people dead and thousands mourning them in nationwide marches. Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said Friday he would submit his resignation to parliament following a spike in the death toll among protesters who accuse the entire ruling elite of being inept, corrupt and beholden to foreign powers. The demonstrations spread from their epicentre in Baghdad and the mostly Shiite south to the northern, majority-Sunni city of Mosul, where hundreds of students dressed in black organised a mourning march for fallen activists. Parliament opened its session on Sunday afternoon and within minutes had approved Abdel Mahdi's resignation, which according to the constitution renders him and the entire cabinet a "caretaker government." The speaker of parliament said he would now ask President Barham Saleh to name a new prime minister. Just before the session began, another protester was shot dead in the capital, medical sources said. The protest movement is Iraq's biggest since the US-led invasion of 2003 toppled Saddam Hussein and installed a democratic system in the oil-rich but poverty-plagued nation. The demonstrators have vented their anger at neighbouring Iran, which is seen to wield huge influence in Iraq, with protesters last week burning down an Iranian consulate. "Abdel Mahdi should leave, so should parliament and the parties, and Iran," said a young demonstrator on Baghdad's Tahrir (Liberation) Square, the centre of the protest movement that started in early October. First death sentence In other developments, an Iraqi court sentenced a police officer to death on Sunday after convicting him of killing demonstrators, the first such sentence in two months of deadly civil unrest. The Kut criminal court sentenced the police major to be hanged and jailed a police lieutenant colonel for seven years for their roles in the deaths of seven protesters in the southern city on November 2, judicial sources said. In Mosul, protesters were marching in solidarity with activists elsewhere in the country. "It's the least Mosul can give to the martyrs of Dhi Qar and Najaf," said Zahraa Ahmed, a dentistry student, naming the two provinces where most of the recent deaths took place. "The protesters are asking for their basic rights so the government should have answered from the beginning." Previously, most Sunni-majority areas had refrained from protesting, fearing that opposing the central government would earn them the labels of being "terrorists" or supporters of Saddam Hussein. For three years, Mosul was the heart of the Islamic State group's ultra-conservative "caliphate", and much of it still lies in ruins today. Another student in Mosul, Hussein Kheder, carrying an Iraqi flag, said the whole country was now on the same page politically and told AFP that "now the government needs to heed the protesters' demands". In Salaheddin, a Sunni-majority province north of Baghdad where rallies were held for the first time, authorities had already declared on Friday three days of mourning for the victims. And eight Shiite-majority provinces announced a day of mourning on Sunday during which government offices would remain shut. More than 20 people were killed in the Shiite shrine city of Najaf, 40 people in the hotspot of Nasiriyah and three in the capital Baghdad in three consecutive days of violence. On Sunday, an AFP correspondent reported calm in Nasiriyah, the birthplace of Abdel Mahdi, who came to power just a year ago based on a shaky alliance between rival parties. He had resisted protesters' calls for him to step down over the past two months. But the crackdown turned the tide this week, as it prompted Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, to call on parliament to drop its support for the premier. In quick succession, political factions indicated they would support a no-confidence motion.

After months of protests, Iraq parliament approves cabinet resignation

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

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

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

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

&nbsp;A retired Pakistani industrialist sent thousands of saplings to Iraq on Friday to bring shade to pilgrims, an idea formed when his relatives returned from a holy site with sunburn.

Mohammedi Durbar, 85, wants to plant nearly 50,000 trees along the entire 80-km (50-mile) pilgrimage route between Iraq's Shia Muslim holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala.

Millions of people make the pilgrimage every for the religious ritual of Arbaeen, which marks the 40-day mourning period for the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. They walk most of the way under a baking sun.

Among the worshippers last year were Durbar's grandson and daughter-in-law, who returned to Pakistan tanned and with photographs showing a barren landscape.

"I immediately realised there was no shade," Durbar told Reuters at his farm on the outskirts of the city of Karachi.

Durbar travelled to Iraq, spoke to officials and got permission for his project, and a promise the trees would be cared for. He also planted some trees in Najaf to see if they could thrive there.

The test was a success. "The trees are happy," he said.

A first batch of 9,800 saplings of eight types of trees, up to eight months old, set off from Karachi by truck on Friday, for their journey across Iran to Iraq.

The shipment was delayed about a month because of anti-government protests in Iraq and last minute visa delays.

Durbar says the saplings will be well looked after on their journey with the truck stopping to ensure they get regular sunshine and water.

He is confident they will arrive in good shape and plans to travel back to Iraq to work on the plan.

The trees will spend the winter in a nursery in Baghdad, with the planting due to begin in March.

He said about a dozen people would plant the trees, with the help of small digger he is also sending from Pakistan.

Durbar, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra sect of Shia Islam, estimates it will take three years to plant all of the trees at a cost of 25 million rupees ($160,000), which he is paying.

He is not sure if he will live to see pilgrims walking under his trees, but he knows he has found his calling after a lifetime in industry.

"I thank God, at this age, he has put me on the right path," he said.

"Partnership with nature is good.”

A retired Pakistani industrialist sent thousands of saplings to Iraq on Friday to bring shade to pilgrims, an idea formed when his relatives returned from a holy site with sunburn.

A retired Pakistani industrialist sent thousands of saplings to Iraq on Friday to bring shade to pilgrims, an idea formed when his relatives returned from a holy site with sunburn. Mohammedi Durbar, 85, wants to plant nearly 50,000 trees along the entire 80-km (50-mile) pilgrimage route between Iraq's Shia Muslim holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala. Millions of people make the pilgrimage every for the religious ritual of Arbaeen, which marks the 40-day mourning period for the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. They walk most of the way under a baking sun. Among the worshippers last year were Durbar's grandson and daughter-in-law, who returned to Pakistan tanned and with photographs showing a barren landscape. "I immediately realised there was no shade," Durbar told Reuters at his farm on the outskirts of the city of Karachi. Durbar travelled to Iraq, spoke to officials and got permission for his project, and a promise the trees would be cared for. He also planted some trees in Najaf to see if they could thrive there. The test was a success. "The trees are happy," he said. A first batch of 9,800 saplings of eight types of trees, up to eight months old, set off from Karachi by truck on Friday, for their journey across Iran to Iraq. The shipment was delayed about a month because of anti-government protests in Iraq and last minute visa delays. Durbar says the saplings will be well looked after on their journey with the truck stopping to ensure they get regular sunshine and water. He is confident they will arrive in good shape and plans to travel back to Iraq to work on the plan. The trees will spend the winter in a nursery in Baghdad, with the planting due to begin in March. He said about a dozen people would plant the trees, with the help of small digger he is also sending from Pakistan. Durbar, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra sect of Shia Islam, estimates it will take three years to plant all of the trees at a cost of 25 million rupees ($160,000), which he is paying. He is not sure if he will live to see pilgrims walking under his trees, but he knows he has found his calling after a lifetime in industry. "I thank God, at this age, he has put me on the right path," he said. "Partnership with nature is good.”

Pakistani man aims to bring shade to Iraq's Arbaeen pilgrims

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

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

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

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

Iraq's top Shia cleric on Friday urged parliament to replace the cabinet, after dozens of protesters were killed in one of the bloodiest days of anti-government rallies gripping the country.&nbsp;

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani's weekly sermon gave a major boost to Iraqi demonstrators who have been taking to the streets since early October against a ruling class deemed corrupt and inefficient.

The grassroots movement is the largest Iraq has seen in decades but also the deadliest, with nearly 400 people dead and more than 15,000 wounded in the capital and Shia-majority south, according to an AFP tally.

For weeks, Sistani has called for restraint in dealing with demonstrators and has urged political parties get "serious" about reform, but he ramped up demands on Friday.

"The parliament, from which this current government is drawn, is asked to reconsider its choice in this regard," he said in the sermon delivered by a representative.

Within minutes, MP and former premier Haider al-Abadi called on lawmakers to convene Saturday for a "special session for a vote of no-confidence and to form a new independent government".

Lawmakers from parliament's largest bloc, Saeroon, said they would go to their offices on Friday, which is normally a day off, to plan an "immediate" no-confidence vote.

And Qais al-Khazaali, head of the powerful paramilitary faction Asaib Ahl al-Haq, tweeted: "Your commands will be ours, too."&nbsp;

Five wounded as rallies resume

The sudden turnaround came after one of the bloodiest days of protests yet, with 44 demonstrators killed and nearly 1,000 wounded on Thursday in a government crackdown on rallies.

The bulk of the dead, 26, fell in the southern protest hotspot of Nasiriyah, where thousands hit the streets to mourn them on Friday.&nbsp;

Large crowds also gathered in the city's main squares to demand the government step down, burned tyres to block highways leading north and torched another police station in the city.&nbsp;

Five protesters suffered bullet wounds in confrontations outside Nasiriyah's main police headquarters, according to medics.

In Baghdad, where two demonstrators died on Thursday, protesters dug into their main camp at Tahrir (Liberation) Square despite skirmishes with security forces.

And in the shrine city of Najaf, a massive funeral procession wound its way through the streets carrying coffins of some of the 16 people killed there the previous day.

The unrest in Iraq's south was unleashed after protesters stormed the Iranian consulate in Najaf late on Wednesday, accusing the neighbouring country of propping up Iraq's government.

Tehran demanded Iraq take decisive action against the protesters, saying it was "disgusted" by developments.

In response, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi ordered military chiefs to deploy in several provinces to "impose security and restore order" -- but chaos reigned instead.

Men in civilian clothes opened fire at demonstrators and tribal fighters deployed in the streets in their defence.

As the death toll climbed late Thursday, the premier sacked the commander he had dispatched to Nasiriyah and the provincial governor based in the city resigned.

Police officers speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP they had received orders Thursday to "finish off" the rallies, but the heavy bloodshed put a halt to those plans.&nbsp;

'A war zone'

The violence was condemned worldwide, with Amnesty International saying the scenes resembled "a war zone".

"This bloodbath must stop now," said Lynn Maalouf of the London-based rights group.

Baghdad and the south have been rocked by the most widespread street unrest since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.&nbsp;

Protesters are seeking an overhaul of the ruling elite, accused of corruption and embezzling state funds in a country scarred by decades of conflict and where infrastructure is failing.

Iraq is OPEC's second-largest crude producer but one in five Iraqis lives in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank.&nbsp;

Demonstrators have also called out Iraq's large eastern neighbour Iran, accusing it of political, economic and military overreach.&nbsp;

The two predominantly Shia countries have close but complex ties and Tehran holds significant sway among Iraqi political and military leaders.

Top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani has held several meetings in Baghdad and Najaf to try to convince political factions to close ranks around Abdel Mahdi.

Those meetings, sources told AFP, brought firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr back into the fold after he had called on the embattled premier to resign.

But as the tide appeared to turn again for the premier, Sadr resurfaced Thursday, saying it would "be the beginning of the end for Iraq" if the government did not step down.

Iraq's top Shia cleric on Friday urged parliament to replace the cabinet, after dozens of protesters were killed in one of the bloodiest days of anti-government rallies gripping the country.

Iraq's top Shia cleric on Friday urged parliament to replace the cabinet, after dozens of protesters were killed in one of the bloodiest days of anti-government rallies gripping the country. Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani's weekly sermon gave a major boost to Iraqi demonstrators who have been taking to the streets since early October against a ruling class deemed corrupt and inefficient. The grassroots movement is the largest Iraq has seen in decades but also the deadliest, with nearly 400 people dead and more than 15,000 wounded in the capital and Shia-majority south, according to an AFP tally. For weeks, Sistani has called for restraint in dealing with demonstrators and has urged political parties get "serious" about reform, but he ramped up demands on Friday. "The parliament, from which this current government is drawn, is asked to reconsider its choice in this regard," he said in the sermon delivered by a representative. Within minutes, MP and former premier Haider al-Abadi called on lawmakers to convene Saturday for a "special session for a vote of no-confidence and to form a new independent government". Lawmakers from parliament's largest bloc, Saeroon, said they would go to their offices on Friday, which is normally a day off, to plan an "immediate" no-confidence vote. And Qais al-Khazaali, head of the powerful paramilitary faction Asaib Ahl al-Haq, tweeted: "Your commands will be ours, too." Five wounded as rallies resume The sudden turnaround came after one of the bloodiest days of protests yet, with 44 demonstrators killed and nearly 1,000 wounded on Thursday in a government crackdown on rallies. The bulk of the dead, 26, fell in the southern protest hotspot of Nasiriyah, where thousands hit the streets to mourn them on Friday. Large crowds also gathered in the city's main squares to demand the government step down, burned tyres to block highways leading north and torched another police station in the city. Five protesters suffered bullet wounds in confrontations outside Nasiriyah's main police headquarters, according to medics. In Baghdad, where two demonstrators died on Thursday, protesters dug into their main camp at Tahrir (Liberation) Square despite skirmishes with security forces. And in the shrine city of Najaf, a massive funeral procession wound its way through the streets carrying coffins of some of the 16 people killed there the previous day. The unrest in Iraq's south was unleashed after protesters stormed the Iranian consulate in Najaf late on Wednesday, accusing the neighbouring country of propping up Iraq's government. Tehran demanded Iraq take decisive action against the protesters, saying it was "disgusted" by developments. In response, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi ordered military chiefs to deploy in several provinces to "impose security and restore order" -- but chaos reigned instead. Men in civilian clothes opened fire at demonstrators and tribal fighters deployed in the streets in their defence. As the death toll climbed late Thursday, the premier sacked the commander he had dispatched to Nasiriyah and the provincial governor based in the city resigned. Police officers speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP they had received orders Thursday to "finish off" the rallies, but the heavy bloodshed put a halt to those plans. 'A war zone' The violence was condemned worldwide, with Amnesty International saying the scenes resembled "a war zone". "This bloodbath must stop now," said Lynn Maalouf of the London-based rights group. Baghdad and the south have been rocked by the most widespread street unrest since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Protesters are seeking an overhaul of the ruling elite, accused of corruption and embezzling state funds in a country scarred by decades of conflict and where infrastructure is failing. Iraq is OPEC's second-largest crude producer but one in five Iraqis lives in poverty and youth unemployment stands at 25 per cent, according to the World Bank. Demonstrators have also called out Iraq's large eastern neighbour Iran, accusing it of political, economic and military overreach. The two predominantly Shia countries have close but complex ties and Tehran holds significant sway among Iraqi political and military leaders. Top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani has held several meetings in Baghdad and Najaf to try to convince political factions to close ranks around Abdel Mahdi. Those meetings, sources told AFP, brought firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr back into the fold after he had called on the embattled premier to resign. But as the tide appeared to turn again for the premier, Sadr resurfaced Thursday, saying it would "be the beginning of the end for Iraq" if the government did not step down.

After 400 die in Iraq protests, top cleric urges cabinet change

Six protesters were killed Sunday in Iraq's south, where resurging anti-government demonstrations turned up the heat on paralysed politicians facing the country's largest grassroots movement in decades.

Three demonstrators were killed and around 50 wounded in clashes with security forces near the key southern port of Umm Qasr, the Iraqi Human Rights Commission reported.&nbsp;

An AFP correspondent said security forces had fired live rounds at protesters trying to block access to the port.

Since October 1, Iraq's capital and majority-Shiite south have been swept by mass demonstrations over corruption, lack of jobs and poor services that have escalated into calls for an overhaul of the ruling system.&nbsp;

Top leaders have publicly acknowledged the demands as legitimate and promised measures to appease protesters, including hiring drives, electoral reform and a cabinet reshuffle.

But the rallies have continued, waning on some days but swelling when demonstrators felt politicians were stalling.

On Sunday, protesters in the southern city of Nasiriyah blockaded five main bridges, shut down schools and burned tyres outside public offices in anger.

They blocked access to oil fields and companies around the city, torching as well its Shiite endowment centre, a government body that manages religious sites.

Medical sources said overnight three protesters had been shot dead and at least 47 others wounded by security forces in the city, some 300 kilometres (200 miles) south of the capital Baghdad.

An estimated 350 people have been killed and thousands wounded since October 1, according to a tally compiled by AFP as authorities are not providing precise or updated figures.

That makes the protests Iraq's deadliest grassroots movement in decades, but also its most widespread.

Live rounds in Karbala&nbsp;

The rural and tribalistic south has carried the torch of the movement for weeks, with students and teachers leading rallies outside schools and public offices.

In an attempt to resume classes, the education ministry issued a directive for schools to open normally on Sunday, the first day of the workweek in Iraq.

But protesters in Nasiriyah defied the order and shut down schools anyway, AFP's correspondent said.&nbsp;

In the oil-rich southern city of Basra, demonstrators blocked main roads just before dawn, including those leading to the ports of Umm Qasr and Khor al-Zubair.

The ports, which bring in food and medicine to Iraq but also export fuel products, have seen some delays in loading and offloading due to the unrest in recent weeks.

Clashes also pitted protesters against security forces overnight in Karbala, one of Iraq's two Shiite holy cities.

The two sides lobbed Molotov cocktails at each other from behind barricades set up in small alleyways.

"They're throwing Molotov cocktails at us and at midnight, they started shooting live rounds," one demonstrator said.

The streets were lit only by fires from the exploding makeshift grenades and green laser pointers used by demonstrators to disrupt the riot police's vision.

"Our demands are clear: the downfall of this corrupt government," said another demonstrator, his face wrapped in a black scarf.

Budget discussions&nbsp;

Iraq is the 12th most corrupt country in the world, says Transparency International, and many protesters say the current political class is to blame.

They accuse elites of awarding public sector jobs based on bribes, nepotism or sectarianism, leading to an unemployment rate of 25 per cent.&nbsp;

Iraq's cabinet is currently discussing the 2020 budget before it is submitted to parliament and government sources say it is expected to be one of the country's largest yet.&nbsp;

Sunday's violence came a day after the surprise visit of United States Vice President Mike Pence to Iraq, where he dropped in on American troops stationed in the country's west and met top leaders in the Kurdish region in the north.

He did not, however, meet officials in Baghdad for "security reasons".&nbsp;

The US and Iraq have been close allies since the former led the 2003 invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein, but ties are now at their "coldest", officials from both countries have told AFP.&nbsp;

Six protesters were killed Sunday in Iraq's south, where resurging anti-government demonstrations turned up the heat on paralysed politicians facing the country's largest grassroots movement in decades.

Six protesters were killed Sunday in Iraq's south, where resurging anti-government demonstrations turned up the heat on paralysed politicians facing the country's largest grassroots movement in decades. Three demonstrators were killed and around 50 wounded in clashes with security forces near the key southern port of Umm Qasr, the Iraqi Human Rights Commission reported. An AFP correspondent said security forces had fired live rounds at protesters trying to block access to the port. Since October 1, Iraq's capital and majority-Shiite south have been swept by mass demonstrations over corruption, lack of jobs and poor services that have escalated into calls for an overhaul of the ruling system. Top leaders have publicly acknowledged the demands as legitimate and promised measures to appease protesters, including hiring drives, electoral reform and a cabinet reshuffle. But the rallies have continued, waning on some days but swelling when demonstrators felt politicians were stalling. On Sunday, protesters in the southern city of Nasiriyah blockaded five main bridges, shut down schools and burned tyres outside public offices in anger. They blocked access to oil fields and companies around the city, torching as well its Shiite endowment centre, a government body that manages religious sites. Medical sources said overnight three protesters had been shot dead and at least 47 others wounded by security forces in the city, some 300 kilometres (200 miles) south of the capital Baghdad. An estimated 350 people have been killed and thousands wounded since October 1, according to a tally compiled by AFP as authorities are not providing precise or updated figures. That makes the protests Iraq's deadliest grassroots movement in decades, but also its most widespread. Live rounds in Karbala The rural and tribalistic south has carried the torch of the movement for weeks, with students and teachers leading rallies outside schools and public offices. In an attempt to resume classes, the education ministry issued a directive for schools to open normally on Sunday, the first day of the workweek in Iraq. But protesters in Nasiriyah defied the order and shut down schools anyway, AFP's correspondent said. In the oil-rich southern city of Basra, demonstrators blocked main roads just before dawn, including those leading to the ports of Umm Qasr and Khor al-Zubair. The ports, which bring in food and medicine to Iraq but also export fuel products, have seen some delays in loading and offloading due to the unrest in recent weeks. Clashes also pitted protesters against security forces overnight in Karbala, one of Iraq's two Shiite holy cities. The two sides lobbed Molotov cocktails at each other from behind barricades set up in small alleyways. "They're throwing Molotov cocktails at us and at midnight, they started shooting live rounds," one demonstrator said. The streets were lit only by fires from the exploding makeshift grenades and green laser pointers used by demonstrators to disrupt the riot police's vision. "Our demands are clear: the downfall of this corrupt government," said another demonstrator, his face wrapped in a black scarf. Budget discussions Iraq is the 12th most corrupt country in the world, says Transparency International, and many protesters say the current political class is to blame. They accuse elites of awarding public sector jobs based on bribes, nepotism or sectarianism, leading to an unemployment rate of 25 per cent. Iraq's cabinet is currently discussing the 2020 budget before it is submitted to parliament and government sources say it is expected to be one of the country's largest yet. Sunday's violence came a day after the surprise visit of United States Vice President Mike Pence to Iraq, where he dropped in on American troops stationed in the country's west and met top leaders in the Kurdish region in the north. He did not, however, meet officials in Baghdad for "security reasons". The US and Iraq have been close allies since the former led the 2003 invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein, but ties are now at their "coldest", officials from both countries have told AFP.

Six protesters killed in south Iraq as unrest intensifies

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence.

In his first visit as vice president, Pence visited American troops at Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq's Anbar province, but was not expected to travel to the capital.

His trip came after weeks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-in-iraq-capital-as-top-cleric-bluntly-pushes-reform-263953">anti-government rallies </a>across Baghdad and the south.

Iraqi officials told AFP that Pence spoke to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi by telephone.

"There won't be a meeting as they had a phone call. The prime minister isn't going to Anbar" to meet Pence, one source said.

President Barham Saleh's office told AFP it was not aware Pence was coming to Iraq and had no meeting planned. The US embassy said it had no details to share.

Pence did met Iraqi Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani and his prime minister Masrour Barzani in Arbil, the Kurdish presidency said, publishing pictures of the encounters.

Pence tweeted images of himself and his wife speaking to US forces and carrying a roast turkey, traditionally served during the American Thanksgiving holiday celebrated next week.

"Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honoured to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq!" he tweeted.

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Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecondLady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecondLady</a> and I are so honored to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq! We are so proud of you and thankful for you all! <a href="https://t.co/bzcM1fGgiG">pic.twitter.com/bzcM1fGgiG</a>
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1198238137543053312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The visit echoed President Donald Trump's own surprise trip to Ain al-Asad a year ago, where he briefly met troops just after Christmas but controversially did not see officials in Baghdad.

Trump's visit was veiled in such secrecy that there was speculation most Iraqi authorities had not been told he president was coming.

Pence's trip came as the death toll from weeks of anti-government rallies across Iraq's capital and the south rose even further.

One protester killed&nbsp;

One protester was killed and 17 were wounded in clashes with security forces Saturday on the Al-Ahrar bridge in Baghdad, a medical source said.

Demonstrators have massed on three main bridges leading from their protest camp in Tahrir (Liberation) Square to the western bank of the river Tigris, where government offices and foreign embassies are based.

Since Thursday, nine protesters have been killed in skirmishes with security forces there.

Around 350 people have been killed and 15,000 wounded since demonstrations erupted on October 1 amid outrage over rampant government corruption and lack of jobs.&nbsp;

Protesters are demanding a total overhaul of the ruling system in place since the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled then-dictator Saddam Hussein.

The US then dismantled Iraq's security forces and tried to rebuild the country's institutions by working closely with a newfound political class.

But ties are now at their "coldest" since 2003, American and Iraqi officials have told AFP.

Abdel Mahdi, in office for the past year, has yet to visit Washington amid frustrations in the White House that his office was "too close" to Tehran.

Tensions between the US and Iran have spiralled since Washington unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 deal over the latter's nuclear programme and began imposing a series of crushing sanctions.

Baghdad, which has close ties with both countries, has feared being caught in the middle.

Washington has already slapped sanctions on Iraqi officials, military factions and institutions with ties to blacklisted Iranian organisations.

'Not welcome in Iraq'&nbsp;

In July, the US singled out the leaders of two paramilitary groups in Iraq that Pence accused of being tied to Iran.

Rayan al-Kildani and Waad Qado -- the former a Christian and the latter a member of the Shabak minority -- were both sanctioned over "serious human rights abuse" by them or their organisations.

Kildani reacted to Pence's visit on Saturday, tweeting: "To the American vice president who came to Iraq stealthily... You are not welcome on Iraqi territory."

Kildani and Qado's factions belong to the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful Shiite-majority paramilitary network that includes many groups with close ties to Tehran.

Hashed leaders and Iran have been widely criticised in the recent protests, accused of defending the very government the demonstrators want to bring down.

Many of their offices have been burned in Iraq's restive south, the scene of new protests on Saturday.

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence.

US Vice President Mike Pence avoided meeting Iraqi federal government leaders during a surprise trip Saturday to the country, where deadly anti-government protests have highlighted Washington's diminished influence. In his first visit as vice president, Pence visited American troops at Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq's Anbar province, but was not expected to travel to the capital. His trip came after weeks of anti-government rallies across Baghdad and the south. Iraqi officials told AFP that Pence spoke to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi by telephone. "There won't be a meeting as they had a phone call. The prime minister isn't going to Anbar" to meet Pence, one source said. President Barham Saleh's office told AFP it was not aware Pence was coming to Iraq and had no meeting planned. The US embassy said it had no details to share. Pence did met Iraqi Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani and his prime minister Masrour Barzani in Arbil, the Kurdish presidency said, publishing pictures of the encounters. Pence tweeted images of himself and his wife speaking to US forces and carrying a roast turkey, traditionally served during the American Thanksgiving holiday celebrated next week. "Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honoured to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq!" he tweeted. Happy Thanksgiving from Iraq. @SecondLady and I are so honored to be with our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines here in Iraq! We are so proud of you and thankful for you all! pic.twitter.com/bzcM1fGgiG — Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) November 23, 2019 × The visit echoed President Donald Trump's own surprise trip to Ain al-Asad a year ago, where he briefly met troops just after Christmas but controversially did not see officials in Baghdad. Trump's visit was veiled in such secrecy that there was speculation most Iraqi authorities had not been told he president was coming. Pence's trip came as the death toll from weeks of anti-government rallies across Iraq's capital and the south rose even further. One protester killed One protester was killed and 17 were wounded in clashes with security forces Saturday on the Al-Ahrar bridge in Baghdad, a medical source said. Demonstrators have massed on three main bridges leading from their protest camp in Tahrir (Liberation) Square to the western bank of the river Tigris, where government offices and foreign embassies are based. Since Thursday, nine protesters have been killed in skirmishes with security forces there. Around 350 people have been killed and 15,000 wounded since demonstrations erupted on October 1 amid outrage over rampant government corruption and lack of jobs. Protesters are demanding a total overhaul of the ruling system in place since the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled then-dictator Saddam Hussein. The US then dismantled Iraq's security forces and tried to rebuild the country's institutions by working closely with a newfound political class. But ties are now at their "coldest" since 2003, American and Iraqi officials have told AFP. Abdel Mahdi, in office for the past year, has yet to visit Washington amid frustrations in the White House that his office was "too close" to Tehran. Tensions between the US and Iran have spiralled since Washington unilaterally pulled out of the 2015 deal over the latter's nuclear programme and began imposing a series of crushing sanctions. Baghdad, which has close ties with both countries, has feared being caught in the middle. Washington has already slapped sanctions on Iraqi officials, military factions and institutions with ties to blacklisted Iranian organisations. 'Not welcome in Iraq' In July, the US singled out the leaders of two paramilitary groups in Iraq that Pence accused of being tied to Iran. Rayan al-Kildani and Waad Qado -- the former a Christian and the latter a member of the Shabak minority -- were both sanctioned over "serious human rights abuse" by them or their organisations. Kildani reacted to Pence's visit on Saturday, tweeting: "To the American vice president who came to Iraq stealthily... You are not welcome on Iraqi territory." Kildani and Qado's factions belong to the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful Shiite-majority paramilitary network that includes many groups with close ties to Tehran. Hashed leaders and Iran have been widely criticised in the recent protests, accused of defending the very government the demonstrators want to bring down. Many of their offices have been burned in Iraq's restive south, the scene of new protests on Saturday.

American vice president avoids Baghdad leaders on surprise Iraq visit

Four anti-government protesters were killed in clashes with security forces in Iraq's capital on Friday as the country's top Shiite cleric bluntly pushed politicians to enact electoral reforms.

More than 340 people have died and thousands have been wounded since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-protesters-killed-in-iraq-capital-sources-263645">rallies </a>against widespread graft and unemployment erupted in Baghdad and the mostly Shiite south last month.

For weeks demonstrators have demanded that the government step down but leaders have resisted, instead proposing a raft of measures including recruitment drives and a revamp of Iraq's electoral system.

Protesters have brushed off the proposals, maintaining their sit-ins in Baghdad's iconic Tahrir (Liberation) Square for four consecutive weeks.

These have spread onto bridges leading to the western bank of the river Tigris, an area which houses parliament, the prime minister's office, several ministries and the central bank as well as foreign embassies.

On Friday, security forces fired tear gas and live rounds from behind thick concrete barriers to keep crowds from crossing over.

Four protesters were killed, two shot dead and two killed by tear gas canisters, a medical source told AFP.

Rights groups have slammed security forces for improperly firing the gas grenades directly at protesters in a way that can be lethal, instead of into the air.

'Going too slowly'

Demonstrators were enraged at the violence, which has continued despite calls by the country's top Shiite authority, or marjaiyah, to deal with the rallies peacefully.

"The marjaiyah banned shooting (at protesters), but it's still happening and people are still dying," said Ahmad Mohammad, a 58-year-old protester in Tahrir.

In an unusually brief sermon on Friday, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani repeated his support for the protest movement and urged politicians to prioritise new election laws.&nbsp;

"The marjaiyah stresses the need to work quickly to pass an electoral law and a law on the electoral commission," said the sermon, read by a representative in the holy city of Karbala.

But the call was met with scepticism from demonstrators, who have sought more robust support from the seat of Shiite religious power in Iraq.

"They're going too slowly on the government. I call them the silent marjaiyah," one demonstrator scoffed.

Lawmakers are to meet on Saturday to interrogate the industry minister as part of a planned government reshuffle.

Earlier this week, they began discussing a draft electoral law that would shrink parliament and distribute votes according to a complex hybrid system.

But the United Nations mission in Iraq (UNAMI) said the draft law "requires improvements to meet public demands".

Critics of the current law say it favours entrenched political parties over independents and is vulnerable to corruption and seat-buying.

The last elections in May 2018 produced a parliament in which no bloc had a clear majority -- a shaky foundation for Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi.

'Lost all legitimacy'&nbsp;

Parties have rallied around Abdel Mahdi in recent weeks, but protesters have also defiantly clung on.

They were buoyed on Thursday by the government's lifting of its weeks-long restrictions on social media, opening the door to a slew of online critiques of the political class.

"They have lost all legitimacy and their proposals don't represent us. This government must resign," said Abou Ali, a 32-year-old demonstrator in Baghdad.

Further south, sit-ins continued in the largely agricultural towns of Hillah, Nasiriyah and Diwaniyah, as well as in the two Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala.&nbsp;

In protest-hit Kut, a local tribal leader said protesters would maintain the pressure on authorities.

"We are determined to keep demonstrating until our demands are met: the government's resignation and parliament's dissolution," said Nasir al-Qassab.

"We reject proposals from the government... They're just trying to procrastinate," he said.

Four anti-government protesters were killed in clashes with security forces in Iraq's capital on Friday as the country's top Shiite cleric bluntly pushed politicians to enact electoral reforms.

Four anti-government protesters were killed in clashes with security forces in Iraq's capital on Friday as the country's top Shiite cleric bluntly pushed politicians to enact electoral reforms. More than 340 people have died and thousands have been wounded since rallies against widespread graft and unemployment erupted in Baghdad and the mostly Shiite south last month. For weeks demonstrators have demanded that the government step down but leaders have resisted, instead proposing a raft of measures including recruitment drives and a revamp of Iraq's electoral system. Protesters have brushed off the proposals, maintaining their sit-ins in Baghdad's iconic Tahrir (Liberation) Square for four consecutive weeks. These have spread onto bridges leading to the western bank of the river Tigris, an area which houses parliament, the prime minister's office, several ministries and the central bank as well as foreign embassies. On Friday, security forces fired tear gas and live rounds from behind thick concrete barriers to keep crowds from crossing over. Four protesters were killed, two shot dead and two killed by tear gas canisters, a medical source told AFP. Rights groups have slammed security forces for improperly firing the gas grenades directly at protesters in a way that can be lethal, instead of into the air. 'Going too slowly' Demonstrators were enraged at the violence, which has continued despite calls by the country's top Shiite authority, or marjaiyah, to deal with the rallies peacefully. "The marjaiyah banned shooting (at protesters), but it's still happening and people are still dying," said Ahmad Mohammad, a 58-year-old protester in Tahrir. In an unusually brief sermon on Friday, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani repeated his support for the protest movement and urged politicians to prioritise new election laws. "The marjaiyah stresses the need to work quickly to pass an electoral law and a law on the electoral commission," said the sermon, read by a representative in the holy city of Karbala. But the call was met with scepticism from demonstrators, who have sought more robust support from the seat of Shiite religious power in Iraq. "They're going too slowly on the government. I call them the silent marjaiyah," one demonstrator scoffed. Lawmakers are to meet on Saturday to interrogate the industry minister as part of a planned government reshuffle. Earlier this week, they began discussing a draft electoral law that would shrink parliament and distribute votes according to a complex hybrid system. But the United Nations mission in Iraq (UNAMI) said the draft law "requires improvements to meet public demands". Critics of the current law say it favours entrenched political parties over independents and is vulnerable to corruption and seat-buying. The last elections in May 2018 produced a parliament in which no bloc had a clear majority -- a shaky foundation for Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. 'Lost all legitimacy' Parties have rallied around Abdel Mahdi in recent weeks, but protesters have also defiantly clung on. They were buoyed on Thursday by the government's lifting of its weeks-long restrictions on social media, opening the door to a slew of online critiques of the political class. "They have lost all legitimacy and their proposals don't represent us. This government must resign," said Abou Ali, a 32-year-old demonstrator in Baghdad. Further south, sit-ins continued in the largely agricultural towns of Hillah, Nasiriyah and Diwaniyah, as well as in the two Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. In protest-hit Kut, a local tribal leader said protesters would maintain the pressure on authorities. "We are determined to keep demonstrating until our demands are met: the government's resignation and parliament's dissolution," said Nasir al-Qassab. "We reject proposals from the government... They're just trying to procrastinate," he said.

Four dead in Iraq capital as top cleric bluntly pushes reform

Four protesters were killed and dozens wounded in overnight clashes with security forces in Iraq's capital Baghdad, security and medical sources told AFP on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strikes-resume-in-iraq-to-bolster-anti-regime-protests-262742">Anti-government demonstrators </a>have spread from their main protest camp in Tahrir (Liberation) Square onto three bridges linking the banks of the river Tigris.

Security forces have erected concrete barriers on the bridges to hold protesters back, and late on Wednesday they fired tear gas and live ammunition at crowds gathering on Al-Sinek and Al-Ahrar bridges.

One protester was shot dead by a live round and three died from wounds sustained by tear gas canisters.

Rights groups have slammed security forces for firing the military-grade gas grenades directly at protesters instead of into the air.

When shot at close range, the canisters can pierce skulls or chests, and advocacy groups have documented around two dozen deaths from such injuries among Iraqi protesters.

The overnight confrontation also injured more than 50 people, including at least six who sustained gunshot wounds.

Authorities fear crowds could use Al-Sinek bridge to reach the Iranian embassy, or cross the adjacent Al-Ahrar bridge further north to protest at the central bank and other government buildings.

Protesters in Tahrir have rebuked Tehran for propping up an Iraqi government they see as corrupt and inefficient, even accusing Iran of backing the use of violence against them.

More than 330 people have been killed since the protests broke out on October 1, according to an AFP toll, as authorities have stopped providing updated or precise figures.

The grassroots protests are the deadliest in decades but also the most widespread, with sit-ins at schools, outside government offices and public squares in Baghdad and across the Shiite-majority south.

In many areas, students and teachers have been at the forefront of demonstrations. Protest hotspots like Nasiriyah, Kut, Hillah and Diwaniyah have not seen steady school attendance in weeks.

But on Thursday, a security source told AFP that Baghdad's joint operations command authorised security forces to check school rosters in the capital to identify who may have skipped class to strike, particularly among teachers.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the education ministry confirmed security forces had deployed around schools in the capital to prevent sit-ins or road closures.&nbsp;

Four protesters were killed and dozens wounded in overnight clashes with security forces in Iraq's capital Baghdad, security and medical sources told AFP on Thursday.

Four protesters were killed and dozens wounded in overnight clashes with security forces in Iraq's capital Baghdad, security and medical sources told AFP on Thursday. Anti-government demonstrators have spread from their main protest camp in Tahrir (Liberation) Square onto three bridges linking the banks of the river Tigris. Security forces have erected concrete barriers on the bridges to hold protesters back, and late on Wednesday they fired tear gas and live ammunition at crowds gathering on Al-Sinek and Al-Ahrar bridges. One protester was shot dead by a live round and three died from wounds sustained by tear gas canisters. Rights groups have slammed security forces for firing the military-grade gas grenades directly at protesters instead of into the air. When shot at close range, the canisters can pierce skulls or chests, and advocacy groups have documented around two dozen deaths from such injuries among Iraqi protesters. The overnight confrontation also injured more than 50 people, including at least six who sustained gunshot wounds. Authorities fear crowds could use Al-Sinek bridge to reach the Iranian embassy, or cross the adjacent Al-Ahrar bridge further north to protest at the central bank and other government buildings. Protesters in Tahrir have rebuked Tehran for propping up an Iraqi government they see as corrupt and inefficient, even accusing Iran of backing the use of violence against them. More than 330 people have been killed since the protests broke out on October 1, according to an AFP toll, as authorities have stopped providing updated or precise figures. The grassroots protests are the deadliest in decades but also the most widespread, with sit-ins at schools, outside government offices and public squares in Baghdad and across the Shiite-majority south. In many areas, students and teachers have been at the forefront of demonstrations. Protest hotspots like Nasiriyah, Kut, Hillah and Diwaniyah have not seen steady school attendance in weeks. But on Thursday, a security source told AFP that Baghdad's joint operations command authorised security forces to check school rosters in the capital to identify who may have skipped class to strike, particularly among teachers. A spokesman for the education ministry confirmed security forces had deployed around schools in the capital to prevent sit-ins or road closures.

Four protesters killed in Iraq capital: Sources

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

Iraqi officials expressed "deep regret" on Monday at the death of protesters during weeks of unrest but defended Baghdad's handling of the situation.

Nearly 300 people have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-dead-in-iraq-as-security-forces-clear-protest-sites-261082">killed in Iraq</a> since the protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services began on October&nbsp;1.

At a U.N. review of member states' human rights records in Geneva, diplomats from several countries accused the Iraqi government of using excessive force.

Justice Minister Farooq Amin Othman acknowledged there had been "individual violations" by members of the law enforcement agencies but said they were being investigated.

"...We would like to express our deep regret for the number of people killed," he told international diplomats gathered at what the U.N calls the Universal Periodic Review.

"Our constitution guarantees peaceful assembly and the objective of our authorities is to protect the protesters," he said.

Other Iraqi officials said plans were under way to free detained protesters and for electoral reform, both of which were among a package of reforms urged by the United Nations.

But diplomats from several countries including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/halt-violence-against-protesters-pass-electoral-reform-and-hold-early-elections-us-to-iraq-government-261256">United States issued</a> stinging criticisms.

"We recommend that Iraq immediately cease using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, particularly the unlawful use of tear gas canisters and live ammunition, and hold accountable, in a transparent manner, those responsible for this violence," Daniel Kronenfeld, Human Rights Counsellor at the US&nbsp;Mission in Geneva.

The Netherlands called the use of force "unlawful, indiscriminate and excessive". Germany expressed deep concern and urged immediate steps to prevent further loss of life.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq released a set of recommendations on Sunday, including the release of peaceful protesters and investigations into deaths.

Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Hussain Mahmood&nbsp;Alkhateeb, said the plan envisaged by Baghdad to address unrest was already being implemented and went "wider" than the U.N. proposals.

"No demonstrator will stay in prison unless there is a criminal investigation against them," he told Reuters.

Asked whether Iraq would consider trying Islamic State fighters on their own soil, as France and the United States has urged, he said: "Iraq believes that countries should take their nationals and this is a policy we are committed to."

Iraqi officials expressed "deep regret" on Monday at the death of protesters during weeks of unrest but defended Baghdad's handling of the situation. Nearly 300 people have been killed in Iraq since the protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services began on October 1.

Iraqi officials expressed "deep regret" on Monday at the death of protesters during weeks of unrest but defended Baghdad's handling of the situation. Nearly 300 people have been killed in Iraq since the protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services began on October 1. At a U.N. review of member states' human rights records in Geneva, diplomats from several countries accused the Iraqi government of using excessive force. Justice Minister Farooq Amin Othman acknowledged there had been "individual violations" by members of the law enforcement agencies but said they were being investigated. "...We would like to express our deep regret for the number of people killed," he told international diplomats gathered at what the U.N calls the Universal Periodic Review. "Our constitution guarantees peaceful assembly and the objective of our authorities is to protect the protesters," he said. Other Iraqi officials said plans were under way to free detained protesters and for electoral reform, both of which were among a package of reforms urged by the United Nations. But diplomats from several countries including the United States issued stinging criticisms. "We recommend that Iraq immediately cease using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, particularly the unlawful use of tear gas canisters and live ammunition, and hold accountable, in a transparent manner, those responsible for this violence," Daniel Kronenfeld, Human Rights Counsellor at the US Mission in Geneva. The Netherlands called the use of force "unlawful, indiscriminate and excessive". Germany expressed deep concern and urged immediate steps to prevent further loss of life. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq released a set of recommendations on Sunday, including the release of peaceful protesters and investigations into deaths. Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Hussain Mahmood Alkhateeb, said the plan envisaged by Baghdad to address unrest was already being implemented and went "wider" than the U.N. proposals. "No demonstrator will stay in prison unless there is a criminal investigation against them," he told Reuters. Asked whether Iraq would consider trying Islamic State fighters on their own soil, as France and the United States has urged, he said: "Iraq believes that countries should take their nationals and this is a policy we are committed to."

Iraq expresses 'deep regret' over death of protesters during unrest

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-struggle-to-continue-protests-after-deadly-crackdown-by-authorities-261169">bloodshed continued in Iraq</a>, the White House on Monday urged the Iraqi government to halt the violence and hold early elections.

"The Iraqi government to halt the violence against protesters and fulfil President (Barham) Saleh's promise to pass electoral reform and hold early elections," the White House said in a statement.

In fresh clashes on Sunday, three people were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clear-protest-sites-as-leaders-reach-deal-to-end-rallies-261074">killed and several injured</a> as mass demonstrations against the government continued.&nbsp;

The protests which began on October 1 has left several people dead. On Sunday, demonstrators gathered at Baghdad's Tahrir Square as others gathered at Khallani square.

The White House expressed concern over the continued violence and alleged restrictions on the media and internet access.

"The United States is seriously concerned by continued attacks against protestors, civic activists, and the media, as well as restrictions on internet access, in Iraq," the White House asserted.

Protesters on the street have been demanding overhaul of the political system with Iraq's economy on the downhill as revenues from oil sales have plunged.

Last week, Iraqi forces fired tear gas shells at protesters in central Baghdad in main bridges - Ahrar, Shuhada&nbsp;and Bab al-Muadham.

Protesters had also blocked roads leading to Gulf port Umm Qasr near Basra even as operations at Iraq's ports remained suspended for over a week due to the demonstrations.

The authorities used stun grenades and blocked paths with armoured vehicles as several people sustained injuries.

According to reports at least 260 Iraqis have been killed since early October when protests first started, the largest since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003.

The US embassy in Baghdad had earlier condemned the violence against demonstrators and had urged Iraq's leaders to engage with the protesters.

As bloodshed continued in Iraq, the White House on Monday urged the Iraqi government to halt the violence and hold early elections. "The Iraqi government to halt the violence against protesters and fulfil President (Barham) Saleh's promise to pass electoral reform and hold early elections," the White House said in a statement.

As bloodshed continued in Iraq, the White House on Monday urged the Iraqi government to halt the violence and hold early elections. "The Iraqi government to halt the violence against protesters and fulfil President (Barham) Saleh's promise to pass electoral reform and hold early elections," the White House said in a statement. In fresh clashes on Sunday, three people were killed and several injured as mass demonstrations against the government continued. The protests which began on October 1 has left several people dead. On Sunday, demonstrators gathered at Baghdad's Tahrir Square as others gathered at Khallani square. The White House expressed concern over the continued violence and alleged restrictions on the media and internet access. "The United States is seriously concerned by continued attacks against protestors, civic activists, and the media, as well as restrictions on internet access, in Iraq," the White House asserted. Protesters on the street have been demanding overhaul of the political system with Iraq's economy on the downhill as revenues from oil sales have plunged. Last week, Iraqi forces fired tear gas shells at protesters in central Baghdad in main bridges - Ahrar, Shuhada and Bab al-Muadham. Protesters had also blocked roads leading to Gulf port Umm Qasr near Basra even as operations at Iraq's ports remained suspended for over a week due to the demonstrations. The authorities used stun grenades and blocked paths with armoured vehicles as several people sustained injuries. According to reports at least 260 Iraqis have been killed since early October when protests first started, the largest since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003. The US embassy in Baghdad had earlier condemned the violence against demonstrators and had urged Iraq's leaders to engage with the protesters.

Halt violence against protesters, pass electoral reform and hold early elections: US to Iraq government

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