Protesters attacked the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, scaling the walls and forcing the gates of the compound, as hundreds demonstrated against American airstrikes on an Iran-backed militia group in Iraq.

WION Dispatch: Pro-Iran protesters attack US embassy over deadly Iraq strikes

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

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

The US ambassador to Iraq and other staff were evacuated from their embassy in Baghdad for their safety on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters outside the gate denounced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-airstrikes-kill-25-pro-iran-militia-fighters-in-iraq-and-syria-triggering-anger-271052">US airstrikes in Iraq</a>.

On Sunday, US planes had attacked bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia, a move that risks drawing Iraq further into a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran at a time when mass protests are challenging Iraq's political system.

The attack on the Kataib Hezbollah militia was in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base.

The two Iraqi foreign ministry officials did not say when the US&nbsp;ambassador or other staff had left but added that a few embassy protection staff remained.

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The demonstrators were protesting US air strikes on Sunday that killed at least 25 fighters from a hardline faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades), which the US has accused of killing a US contractor in a rocket attack. (AFP Photo)

Outside the embassy, protesters threw stones at the gate while others chanted, "No, no, America! ... No, no, Trump!" Iraqi special forces were deployed around the main gate to prevent them from entering the embassy.

Iraqis have been taking to the streets in their thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons that support Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government.

But on Tuesday, it was these militias who were spraying "Closed in the name of the people" on the gates of the U.S. Embassy and smashing the surveillance cameras around the building with bricks and stones.

Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, and many other senior militia leaders were among the protesters.

"Americans are unwanted in Iraq. They are a source of evil and we want them to leave," Khazali told Reuters. Khazali is one of the most feared and respected Shi'ite militia leaders in Iraq, and one of Iran's most important allies.

Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the embassy.

Militia commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, and Badr Organisation leader Hadi al-Amiri were also at the protest.

Abdul Mahdi has condemned the airstrikes, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55.

The US ambassador to Iraq and other staff were evacuated from their embassy in Baghdad for their safety on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters outside the gate denounced US airstrikes in Iraq.

The US ambassador to Iraq and other staff were evacuated from their embassy in Baghdad for their safety on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said, as thousands of protesters and militia fighters outside the gate denounced US airstrikes in Iraq. On Sunday, US planes had attacked bases belonging to an Iranian-backed militia, a move that risks drawing Iraq further into a proxy conflict between Washington and Tehran at a time when mass protests are challenging Iraq's political system. The attack on the Kataib Hezbollah militia was in response to the killing of a US civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base. The two Iraqi foreign ministry officials did not say when the US ambassador or other staff had left but added that a few embassy protection staff remained. The demonstrators were protesting US air strikes on Sunday that killed at least 25 fighters from a hardline faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades), which the US has accused of killing a US contractor in a rocket attack. (AFP Photo) Outside the embassy, protesters threw stones at the gate while others chanted, "No, no, America! ... No, no, Trump!" Iraqi special forces were deployed around the main gate to prevent them from entering the embassy. Iraqis have been taking to the streets in their thousands almost daily to condemn, among other things, militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian patrons that support Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government. But on Tuesday, it was these militias who were spraying "Closed in the name of the people" on the gates of the U.S. Embassy and smashing the surveillance cameras around the building with bricks and stones. Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, and many other senior militia leaders were among the protesters. "Americans are unwanted in Iraq. They are a source of evil and we want them to leave," Khazali told Reuters. Khazali is one of the most feared and respected Shi'ite militia leaders in Iraq, and one of Iran's most important allies. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the smallest but most potent Iranian-backed militias. Its flags were hung on the fence surrounding the embassy. Militia commander Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi, also known as Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, and Badr Organisation leader Hadi al-Amiri were also at the protest. Abdul Mahdi has condemned the airstrikes, which killed at least 25 fighters and wounded 55.

Protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad, ambassador and staff evacuated

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi has condemned the US air strikes which killed at least 25 members of an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia. The prime minister appeared to suggest that Iraq would now have to review its relationship with the US. #Iraq #IraqiPrimeMinister #IraqPM #US #USAirStrikes

Iraq PM Kataib Hezbollah condemns US airstrikes

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

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

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

Iraq condemns US air strikes as unacceptable and dangerous

U.S. officials said on Sunday that airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against an Iran-backed militia group were successful, but warned that "additional actions" may still be taken in the region to defend U.S. interests. #US #Iran #Iraq #Hezbollah

U.S. strikes on Iraq and Syria, 5 Hezbollah command centres targeted

US airstrikes against a pro-Iran group in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-launches-attacks-on-iranian-backed-forces-in-iraq-and-syria-270902">Iraq killed at least 25 fighters,</a> a paramilitary umbrella said Monday, triggering anger in a country caught up in mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The attacks on Sunday night saw US planes hit several bases belonging to the Hezbollah brigades, one of the most radical factions of Hashed al-Shaabi, a Tehran-backed Iraqi paramilitary coalition.

The strikes "killed 25 and wounded 51, including commanders and fighters, and the toll could yet rise," according to the Hashed, which holds major sway in Iraq.

It said it was still pulling victims from the rubble of bases near Al-Qaim, an Iraqi district bordering Syria, on Monday.

Watch:&nbsp;

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Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the US had "shown its firm support for terrorism and its neglect for the independence and sovereignty of countries" by carrying out the attacks. 
Washington — itself a key ally of Baghdad — must accept the consequences of its "illegal act", Mousavi added.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper described the attacks against the Hezbollah brigades — which hit three locations in Iraq and two in neighbouring Syria — as "successful", and did not rule out further military action against Iran-backed militias.

The strikes were retaliation for a series of rocket attacks since late October against US interests in Iraq, including a barrage of more than 30 fired on Friday against an Iraqi base in Kirkuk, which killed a US civilian contractor.&nbsp;

US-Iran tensions have soared since Washington pulled out of a multilateral nuclear agreement with Tehran last year and imposed crippling sanctions.

Iraqi leaders fear their country could become a battleground between Tehran and Washington, in a context where they are also grappling with huge street protests against corruption and Iran's enormous political influence.

The demonstrations forced prime minister Abel Abdel Mahdi to resign last month, although he remains in a caretaker role. The protest movement, along with President Barham Saleh, has rejected Iran's favoured successor.

US sources say that pro-Iran armed factions now pose a greater threat than the Islamic State, a jihadist group whose rise saw the US freshly deploy troops on Iraqi soil.

But significant elements of the Iraqi political class view the 5,200 US troops in the country as a "threat", with Sunday night's strikes reviving calls for them to leave the country.

Pro-Iran factions angry

Abdel Mahdi's military spokesman decried "a violation of Iraqi sovereignty", while the Hezbollah brigades are demanding the "withdrawal of the American enemy".

Another powerful pro-Iran faction, Assaib Ahl al-Haq -- whose leaders were recently hit with US sanctions -- also called for Americans to withdraw from Iraq.

"The American military presence has become a burden for the Iraqi state and a source of threat against our forces," it said in a statement.&nbsp; 
"It is therefore imperative for all of us to do everything to expel them by all legitimate means."

Parliament's deputy speaker, part of influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr's bloc, called on the Iraqi state to "take all necessary measures" in the face of the US attacks.

The Badr organisation, another key pro-Iran group, took a similar line. 
Several lawmakers have castigated afresh an agreement permitting American soldiers to deploy in-country, arguing the strikes amount to a violation that renders the pact obsolete.

Since October 28, at least 11 attacks have targeted Iraqi military bases where US soldiers or diplomats are deployed.

While earlier attacks killed an Iraqi soldier and wounded others, the one on Friday was the first to kill an American, targeting a meeting between Iraqi police commanders and the international coalition that fought IS.

US airstrikes against a pro-Iran group in Iraq killed at least 25 fighters, a paramilitary umbrella said Monday, triggering anger in a country caught up in mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington.

US airstrikes against a pro-Iran group in Iraq killed at least 25 fighters, a paramilitary umbrella said Monday, triggering anger in a country caught up in mounting tensions between Tehran and Washington. The attacks on Sunday night saw US planes hit several bases belonging to the Hezbollah brigades, one of the most radical factions of Hashed al-Shaabi, a Tehran-backed Iraqi paramilitary coalition. The strikes "killed 25 and wounded 51, including commanders and fighters, and the toll could yet rise," according to the Hashed, which holds major sway in Iraq. It said it was still pulling victims from the rubble of bases near Al-Qaim, an Iraqi district bordering Syria, on Monday. Watch: Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the US had "shown its firm support for terrorism and its neglect for the independence and sovereignty of countries" by carrying out the attacks. Washington — itself a key ally of Baghdad — must accept the consequences of its "illegal act", Mousavi added. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper described the attacks against the Hezbollah brigades — which hit three locations in Iraq and two in neighbouring Syria — as "successful", and did not rule out further military action against Iran-backed militias. The strikes were retaliation for a series of rocket attacks since late October against US interests in Iraq, including a barrage of more than 30 fired on Friday against an Iraqi base in Kirkuk, which killed a US civilian contractor. US-Iran tensions have soared since Washington pulled out of a multilateral nuclear agreement with Tehran last year and imposed crippling sanctions. Iraqi leaders fear their country could become a battleground between Tehran and Washington, in a context where they are also grappling with huge street protests against corruption and Iran's enormous political influence. The demonstrations forced prime minister Abel Abdel Mahdi to resign last month, although he remains in a caretaker role. The protest movement, along with President Barham Saleh, has rejected Iran's favoured successor. US sources say that pro-Iran armed factions now pose a greater threat than the Islamic State, a jihadist group whose rise saw the US freshly deploy troops on Iraqi soil. But significant elements of the Iraqi political class view the 5,200 US troops in the country as a "threat", with Sunday night's strikes reviving calls for them to leave the country. Pro-Iran factions angry Abdel Mahdi's military spokesman decried "a violation of Iraqi sovereignty", while the Hezbollah brigades are demanding the "withdrawal of the American enemy". Another powerful pro-Iran faction, Assaib Ahl al-Haq -- whose leaders were recently hit with US sanctions -- also called for Americans to withdraw from Iraq. "The American military presence has become a burden for the Iraqi state and a source of threat against our forces," it said in a statement. "It is therefore imperative for all of us to do everything to expel them by all legitimate means." Parliament's deputy speaker, part of influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr's bloc, called on the Iraqi state to "take all necessary measures" in the face of the US attacks. The Badr organisation, another key pro-Iran group, took a similar line. Several lawmakers have castigated afresh an agreement permitting American soldiers to deploy in-country, arguing the strikes amount to a violation that renders the pact obsolete. Since October 28, at least 11 attacks have targeted Iraqi military bases where US soldiers or diplomats are deployed. While earlier attacks killed an Iraqi soldier and wounded others, the one on Friday was the first to kill an American, targeting a meeting between Iraqi police commanders and the international coalition that fought IS.

US airstrikes kill 25 pro-Iran militia fighters in Iraq and Syria, triggering anger

The United States carried out airstrikes against five locations in Iraq and Syria on Sunday, targeting multiple weapons and munitions depots linked to Iran.

US launches attacks on Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria

US jets carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, two days after a US contractor was killed in Kirkuk, north Baghdad.

The Pentagon said it carried out strikes against militant groups in Iraq and Syria.

"In response to repeated Kata'ib Hizbollah attacks on Iraqi bases that host Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) coalition forces, US forces have conducted precision defensive strikes ... that will degrade KH's ability to conduct future attacks against OIR coalition forces," chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said.

Reports said at least 19 fighters were killed in the attack. The strikes were carried out in three locations in Iraq and two in Syria.

Watch Video:

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"KH has a strong linkage with Iran's Quds Force and has repeatedly received lethal aid and other support from Iran that it has used to attack," the coalition forces said.

"Will degrade KH's ability to conduct future attacks against coalition forces," it added.

The strikes came after a US civilian contractor was killed in a rocket attack in Iraq's oil-rich Kirkuk city on Friday.

"The strikes were successful. The pilots and aircraft returned back to base safely," US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, adding that US F-15 jet fighters hit five Kata'ib Hezbollah targets in Western Iraq and Eastern Syria.

US jets carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, two days after a US contractor was killed in Kirkuk, north Baghdad. The Pentagon said it carried out strikes against militant groups in Iraq and Syria.

US jets carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, two days after a US contractor was killed in Kirkuk, north Baghdad. The Pentagon said it carried out strikes against militant groups in Iraq and Syria. "In response to repeated Kata'ib Hizbollah attacks on Iraqi bases that host Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) coalition forces, US forces have conducted precision defensive strikes ... that will degrade KH's ability to conduct future attacks against OIR coalition forces," chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said. Reports said at least 19 fighters were killed in the attack. The strikes were carried out in three locations in Iraq and two in Syria. Watch Video: "KH has a strong linkage with Iran's Quds Force and has repeatedly received lethal aid and other support from Iran that it has used to attack," the coalition forces said. "Will degrade KH's ability to conduct future attacks against coalition forces," it added. The strikes came after a US civilian contractor was killed in a rocket attack in Iraq's oil-rich Kirkuk city on Friday. "The strikes were successful. The pilots and aircraft returned back to base safely," US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, adding that US F-15 jet fighters hit five Kata'ib Hezbollah targets in Western Iraq and Eastern Syria.

US carries out airstrikes against militant groups in Iraq, Syria

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paralysis-in-iraq-as-protesters-harden-position-270033">Iraqi anti-government protesters</a> blockaded an oil field and rallied in southern cities Sunday while political factions remained paralysed in their attempts to form a new government.

Several hundred people demanding jobs shut off access to the Nassiriya field, 300 kilometres (190 miles) south of Baghdad, which produces 82,000 barrels of oil per day, executives said.

The two-day-old blockade is the first to disrupt operations in OPEC's second-largest producer since the start of the popular revolt set to enter its fourth month in early January.

The youth-led protests demand the ouster of the entire political class that has run the country in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

Demonstrators have vented their fury at what they consider inept politicians who have mismanaged the economy, enriched themselves and are beholden to powerful neighbour Iran.

Sit-in protests have shut down state offices and schools across the Shiite-majority south for weeks, and demonstrators again declared a "general strike" in Diwaniya on Sunday, the first day of the working week.

Mass rallies and picket lines also paralysed Kout, al-Hilla, Amara and the shrine city of Najaf, AFP correspondents said.

Murders and abductions&nbsp;

The protests have continued despite being met with batons, tear gas and, at times, live rounds in violence that has claimed nearly 460 lives and left some 25,000 people wounded.

The activists scored a partial success in November with the resignation of prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Adel Abdel Mahdi</a>, who however remains in charge in a caretaker role.

Pro-Iranian and other political factions have since wrangled over finding a successor -&nbsp;so far without success.

And although parliament has just voted for an electoral reform package, there has been no indication that the early polls many citizens are calling for will be held anytime soon.&nbsp;

Heightening the turmoil, President Barham Saleh last week threatened to resign rather than put forward the name of a pro-Iran candidate to form the next government.

Nassiriya student demonstrator Osama Ali praised the head of state, saying he had "foiled the attempts by parties and militiamen to kill off the revolution to protect their own interests".

"This gives us hope to continue our peaceful movement until we obtain all our demands," he told AFP.

Those demands include an end to a system that doles out state jobs according to ethnicity and religion, and a stop to the endemic corruption estimated to have swallowed up twice Iraq's GDP in 16 years.

The protesters also want justice for those activists who have been murdered, many shot dead in the streets or outside their homes.

Dozens have also reported being abducted to rural areas near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rockets-hit-military-base-near-baghdad-airport-6-wounded-military-statement-267191">Baghdad</a> for several hours or days before being abandoned by the roadside.

The United Nations has accused "militias" of waging a sweeping campaign of threats, kidnappings and murders of demonstrators.

The state-run Human Rights Commission says it has still not heard from 56 missing activists.

Iraqi anti-government protesters blockaded an oil field and rallied in southern cities Sunday while political factions remained paralysed in their attempts to form a new government.

Iraqi anti-government protesters blockaded an oil field and rallied in southern cities Sunday while political factions remained paralysed in their attempts to form a new government. Several hundred people demanding jobs shut off access to the Nassiriya field, 300 kilometres (190 miles) south of Baghdad, which produces 82,000 barrels of oil per day, executives said. The two-day-old blockade is the first to disrupt operations in OPEC's second-largest producer since the start of the popular revolt set to enter its fourth month in early January. The youth-led protests demand the ouster of the entire political class that has run the country in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. Demonstrators have vented their fury at what they consider inept politicians who have mismanaged the economy, enriched themselves and are beholden to powerful neighbour Iran. Sit-in protests have shut down state offices and schools across the Shiite-majority south for weeks, and demonstrators again declared a "general strike" in Diwaniya on Sunday, the first day of the working week. Mass rallies and picket lines also paralysed Kout, al-Hilla, Amara and the shrine city of Najaf, AFP correspondents said. Murders and abductions The protests have continued despite being met with batons, tear gas and, at times, live rounds in violence that has claimed nearly 460 lives and left some 25,000 people wounded. The activists scored a partial success in November with the resignation of prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, who however remains in charge in a caretaker role. Pro-Iranian and other political factions have since wrangled over finding a successor - so far without success. And although parliament has just voted for an electoral reform package, there has been no indication that the early polls many citizens are calling for will be held anytime soon. Heightening the turmoil, President Barham Saleh last week threatened to resign rather than put forward the name of a pro-Iran candidate to form the next government. Nassiriya student demonstrator Osama Ali praised the head of state, saying he had "foiled the attempts by parties and militiamen to kill off the revolution to protect their own interests". "This gives us hope to continue our peaceful movement until we obtain all our demands," he told AFP. Those demands include an end to a system that doles out state jobs according to ethnicity and religion, and a stop to the endemic corruption estimated to have swallowed up twice Iraq's GDP in 16 years. The protesters also want justice for those activists who have been murdered, many shot dead in the streets or outside their homes. Dozens have also reported being abducted to rural areas near Baghdad for several hours or days before being abandoned by the roadside. The United Nations has accused "militias" of waging a sweeping campaign of threats, kidnappings and murders of demonstrators. The state-run Human Rights Commission says it has still not heard from 56 missing activists.

Iraq protesters lock down oil field, call strike

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paralysis-in-iraq-as-protesters-harden-position-270033">Iraq's parliament</a> approved&nbsp;on Tuesday a new electoral law, a key demand of protesters to make elections fairer, but political deadlock is still holding up the selection of an interim prime minister.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October&nbsp;1 and protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed.

"In the name of Iraq, and in the name of the Iraqi people, in the name of the martyrs, in the name of all those who sacrificed, in the name of the displaced, the law has been approved," Council of Representatives Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi said after the vote.

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands protest in Iraq ahead of deadline to name new PM

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The new election law passed by parliament will allow voters to elect individual lawmakers instead of choosing from party lists and have each member of parliament represent a specific electoral district instead of groups of legislators representing entire provinces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-in-iraq-as-deadline-for-new-pm-looms-269585">Protesters have demanded not just a new electoral law</a>, but also the removal of the entire political class and an independent prime minister with no party affiliation.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned last month under pressure from the street demonstrations but has remained in office in a caretaker capacity. The constitutional deadline to name a replacement expired on Thursday.

Iraq's parliament approved on Tuesday a new electoral law, a key demand of protesters to make elections fairer, but political deadlock is still holding up the selection of an interim prime minister.

Iraq's parliament approved on Tuesday a new electoral law, a key demand of protesters to make elections fairer, but political deadlock is still holding up the selection of an interim prime minister. Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October 1 and protesters, most of them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. More than 450 people have been killed. "In the name of Iraq, and in the name of the Iraqi people, in the name of the martyrs, in the name of all those who sacrificed, in the name of the displaced, the law has been approved," Council of Representatives Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi said after the vote. Watch: Thousands protest in Iraq ahead of deadline to name new PM The new election law passed by parliament will allow voters to elect individual lawmakers instead of choosing from party lists and have each member of parliament represent a specific electoral district instead of groups of legislators representing entire provinces. Protesters have demanded not just a new electoral law, but also the removal of the entire political class and an independent prime minister with no party affiliation. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned last month under pressure from the street demonstrations but has remained in office in a caretaker capacity. The constitutional deadline to name a replacement expired on Thursday.

Individual leaders, not party politicians to lead Iraq as new election law comes to effect

Thousands of protesters have blocked roads and public buildings in southern Iraq, demanding the appointment of an independent prime minister as the latest deadline for choosing a new leader looms. #WION #Iraq #Iraqprotest #IraqPM

Thousands Protest in Iraq Ahead of Deadline to Name New PM

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 24, 2019

Iraqi protesters stepped up their demonstrations Tuesday with the authorities in Baghdad increasingly paralysed as they seek a way out of a political impasse.

Once again the capital's iconic Tahrir Square began filling early in the day, with protesters making clear their opposition to names touted by the establishment to fill the post of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-in-iraq-as-deadline-for-new-pm-looms-269585">prime minister</a>.

Portrait pictures of these candidates marked by a huge red cross increasingly adorn facades of buildings and tents in the protest area.&nbsp;

And once again the main avenues and roads in cities in the south of the country were blocked, as well as entrances to schools, universities and government buildings.

After dwindling in recent weeks, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-fire-on-baghdad-protesters-after-four-killed-in-karbala-259925">civil disobedience campaign</a> has rediscovered its vigour, as the protesters seek to uproot a political system condemned as deeply corrupt.

Negotiations over a candidate to replace premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Adel Abdel Mahdi</a>, who quit in November in the face of protests against corruption and unemployment,&nbsp;have remained deadlocked since the latest in a series of deadlines expired at midnight on Sunday.

While a pro-Iran camp has tried to impose a candidate, Iraqi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-cabinet-resignation-265571">President Barham Saleh</a> has reportedly put up resistance.

For Iraqis protesting since October 1, the system installed by the United States after it led a military coalition to overthrow dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003 has become overly beholden to Iran and is beyond reform.

A long-promised economic revival in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-market-to-remain-oversupplied-despite-opec-pact-says-iea-267861">OPEC's</a> number two oil producer never came, protesters say, with more than half of all oil revenues syphoned off by crooked politicians and their cronies.

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands Protest in Iraq Ahead of Deadline to Name New PM

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Rallies have continued despite a campaign of intimidation that has included targeted killings and abductions of activists, which the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-says-this-must-stop-after-iraqi-protest-violence-kills-nearly-100-253995">United Nations</a> blames on militias.

Politicians have been desperately trying to agree on who will be the next prime minister. But unable to find a parliamentary majority, time is running out.

The timetable set out in the constitution has already been overshot, with new negotiations due on Tuesday in the face of intransigence by pro-Iranian parties.&nbsp;

Parliament failed to meet as planned on Monday as there was no quorum.

"Every hour they come up with a new candidate, but we want someone who is independent," said one young demonstrator, standing in front of burning tyres on a road into southern Basra.

"We're ready to continue the general strike, a day, two days, three days even a hundred years if that's what it takes," he added, his face covered by a scarf to keep out the acrid smoke.

Officials say Iran wants to install <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/students-flood-iraq-streets-defying-government-and-parents-258522">Qusay&nbsp;al-Suhail</a>, who served as higher education minister in the government of Abdel Mahdi.

Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi, a Sunni, has announced he has dropped his support for Suhail, after a source in the presidency said Saleh had vetoed the proposed appointment.&nbsp;

Instead,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calm-returns-after-iraq-protests-but-political-crisis-remains-254513">Halbusi</a> has urged his pro-Iran allies to come forward with another name.

As soon as the name of Assaad al-Aidani, the governor of Basra, began circulating, however, protests erupted in his oil-rich southern province, with demonstrators blocking roads to the ports, an AFP correspondent said.

Roads to Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah and Hilla in the south were also cut as well as in Kut and the holy Shiite shrine city of Najaf, as strikers stopped government officials from reaching work and closed the doors to schools.

After "all the sacrifices" with close to 460 dead since the start of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-cleric-urges-cabinet-change-as-protesters-regroup-after-crackdown-265258">demonstrations</a> in early October and 25,000 wounded, the protesters say they will not return home "until all their goals are met".

They are demanding a new constitution, a new electoral law and a complete overhaul of the political system, in a country with crippling unemployment, especially among the young people who make up more than half the population.

Iraqi protesters stepped up their demonstrations Tuesday with the authorities in Baghdad increasingly paralysed as they seek a way out of a political impasse. Once again the capital's iconic Tahrir Square began filling early in the day, with protesters making clear their opposition to names touted by the establishment to fill the post of prime minister.

Iraqi protesters stepped up their demonstrations Tuesday with the authorities in Baghdad increasingly paralysed as they seek a way out of a political impasse. Once again the capital's iconic Tahrir Square began filling early in the day, with protesters making clear their opposition to names touted by the establishment to fill the post of prime minister. Portrait pictures of these candidates marked by a huge red cross increasingly adorn facades of buildings and tents in the protest area. And once again the main avenues and roads in cities in the south of the country were blocked, as well as entrances to schools, universities and government buildings. After dwindling in recent weeks, the civil disobedience campaign has rediscovered its vigour, as the protesters seek to uproot a political system condemned as deeply corrupt. Negotiations over a candidate to replace premier Adel Abdel Mahdi, who quit in November in the face of protests against corruption and unemployment, have remained deadlocked since the latest in a series of deadlines expired at midnight on Sunday. While a pro-Iran camp has tried to impose a candidate, Iraqi President Barham Saleh has reportedly put up resistance. For Iraqis protesting since October 1, the system installed by the United States after it led a military coalition to overthrow dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003 has become overly beholden to Iran and is beyond reform. A long-promised economic revival in OPEC's number two oil producer never came, protesters say, with more than half of all oil revenues syphoned off by crooked politicians and their cronies. Watch: Thousands Protest in Iraq Ahead of Deadline to Name New PM × Rallies have continued despite a campaign of intimidation that has included targeted killings and abductions of activists, which the United Nations blames on militias. Politicians have been desperately trying to agree on who will be the next prime minister. But unable to find a parliamentary majority, time is running out. The timetable set out in the constitution has already been overshot, with new negotiations due on Tuesday in the face of intransigence by pro-Iranian parties. Parliament failed to meet as planned on Monday as there was no quorum. "Every hour they come up with a new candidate, but we want someone who is independent," said one young demonstrator, standing in front of burning tyres on a road into southern Basra. "We're ready to continue the general strike, a day, two days, three days even a hundred years if that's what it takes," he added, his face covered by a scarf to keep out the acrid smoke. Officials say Iran wants to install Qusay al-Suhail, who served as higher education minister in the government of Abdel Mahdi. Parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi, a Sunni, has announced he has dropped his support for Suhail, after a source in the presidency said Saleh had vetoed the proposed appointment. Instead, Halbusi has urged his pro-Iran allies to come forward with another name. As soon as the name of Assaad al-Aidani, the governor of Basra, began circulating, however, protests erupted in his oil-rich southern province, with demonstrators blocking roads to the ports, an AFP correspondent said. Roads to Nasiriyah, Diwaniyah and Hilla in the south were also cut as well as in Kut and the holy Shiite shrine city of Najaf, as strikers stopped government officials from reaching work and closed the doors to schools. After "all the sacrifices" with close to 460 dead since the start of the demonstrations in early October and 25,000 wounded, the protesters say they will not return home "until all their goals are met". They are demanding a new constitution, a new electoral law and a complete overhaul of the political system, in a country with crippling unemployment, especially among the young people who make up more than half the population.

Iraq: Protesters harder position, further paralysing the country

US military personnel began an operation to deliver Christmas presents to troops in Syria. Troops taking part in 'Holiday Express' transported stockings stuffed with gifts to five bases in the country's east on Monday.

Special Christmas delivery for US troops in Syria

Thousands took to the streets in Iraq's capital and across the south Sunday to protest against Iran's kingmaking influence as the latest deadline for choosing a new prime minister loomed.

Anti-government rallies have rocked Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south since October 1, with demonstrators calling for a complete overhaul of a regime they deem corrupt, inefficient and overly beholden to Tehran.

"The revolution continues!" shouted one demonstrator at a protest encampment in central Diwaniyah. &nbsp;

Protesters blocked off public buildings one by one in the southern Iraqi city, and put up banners reading "The country is under construction -- please excuse the disruption".

Sunday marks the latest deadline -- already pushed back twice by President Barham Saleh -- for parliament to choose a new premier to replace Adel Abdel Mahdi, who tendered his administration's resignation last month.&nbsp;

Officials say Iran wants to install Qusay al-Suhail, who served as higher education minister in the government of Abdel Mahdi.

"But this is exactly what we oppose -- Iranian control over our country," said 24-year-old student Houeida, speaking to AFP in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the protests which was once again abuzz with the youthful energy of thousands.

The protesters categorically reject Suhail's candidacy, along with anyone from the wider political establishment that has been in place since dictator Saddam Hussein was deposed in 2003.&nbsp;

"Hundreds of martyrs have fallen and they are still not listening to our claims", said 21-year-old student Mouataz, in Tahrir Square.

"We want a prime minister with integrity, but they bring back a corrupt man in their image who they will allow to continue robbing us," he added.

'Iraq must be Iraqi again'

In a bid to secure the necessary parliamentary majority for a new premier, Shiite powerhouse Iran enlisted the services of a Lebanese Hezbollah official to negotiate with Sunni and Kurdish parties.

The post of prime minister is by convention held by a Shiite in Iraq's post-2003 political system.

In a Twitter plea to Saleh, one opposition Sunni lawmaker called Sunday for the president to "violate the constitution rather than plunge the country into bloody chaos by choosing a figure people have already rejected".

Some in parliament -- the most fragmented in Iraq's history -- argue that Saleh should use Article 81 of the Constitution, which authorises the president to step in as prime minister himself if there is no agreement among lawmakers on a candidate.

In a sign of the protesters' unprecedented influence, top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, who is said to have made and unmade every premier in the post Saddam era, has been notably absent from the manoeuvrings this time around.

The protest movement has been hit by intimidation, including assassinations perpetrated by militias, according to the UN.

Around 460 people have been killed since October 1, and some 25,000 have been wounded.

Yet the protesters appeared to regain some confidence on Sunday.&nbsp;

Overnight, demonstrators in Diwaniyah and Basra, another southern city, had declared a "general strike".&nbsp;

They burnt tyres to block roads linking southern cities to Baghdad, an AFP correspondent said.&nbsp;

The road to Umm Qasr port -- vital for imports -- near Basra was among those blocked. &nbsp;

In Karbala and Najaf, two Shiite holy cities, striking students closed schools and gathered in their thousands, AFP correspondents said. &nbsp;

In Nasiriyah, protesters blocked bridges and several roads while all public buildings remained closed.

Protesters are demanding the fall of Saleh and parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbussi, accusing them of procrastinating.&nbsp;

"Iraq must become Iraqi again, and if the president does not help us, we will force him out too," asserted student Houeida, buoyed by the renewed momentum in Tahrir Square.

&nbsp;

Thousands took to the streets in Iraq's capital and across the south Sunday to protest against Iran's kingmaking influence as the latest deadline for choosing a new prime minister loomed.

Thousands took to the streets in Iraq's capital and across the south Sunday to protest against Iran's kingmaking influence as the latest deadline for choosing a new prime minister loomed. Anti-government rallies have rocked Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south since October 1, with demonstrators calling for a complete overhaul of a regime they deem corrupt, inefficient and overly beholden to Tehran. "The revolution continues!" shouted one demonstrator at a protest encampment in central Diwaniyah. Protesters blocked off public buildings one by one in the southern Iraqi city, and put up banners reading "The country is under construction -- please excuse the disruption". Sunday marks the latest deadline -- already pushed back twice by President Barham Saleh -- for parliament to choose a new premier to replace Adel Abdel Mahdi, who tendered his administration's resignation last month. Officials say Iran wants to install Qusay al-Suhail, who served as higher education minister in the government of Abdel Mahdi. "But this is exactly what we oppose -- Iranian control over our country," said 24-year-old student Houeida, speaking to AFP in Baghdad's Tahrir Square, the epicentre of the protests which was once again abuzz with the youthful energy of thousands. The protesters categorically reject Suhail's candidacy, along with anyone from the wider political establishment that has been in place since dictator Saddam Hussein was deposed in 2003. "Hundreds of martyrs have fallen and they are still not listening to our claims", said 21-year-old student Mouataz, in Tahrir Square. "We want a prime minister with integrity, but they bring back a corrupt man in their image who they will allow to continue robbing us," he added. 'Iraq must be Iraqi again' In a bid to secure the necessary parliamentary majority for a new premier, Shiite powerhouse Iran enlisted the services of a Lebanese Hezbollah official to negotiate with Sunni and Kurdish parties. The post of prime minister is by convention held by a Shiite in Iraq's post-2003 political system. In a Twitter plea to Saleh, one opposition Sunni lawmaker called Sunday for the president to "violate the constitution rather than plunge the country into bloody chaos by choosing a figure people have already rejected". Some in parliament -- the most fragmented in Iraq's history -- argue that Saleh should use Article 81 of the Constitution, which authorises the president to step in as prime minister himself if there is no agreement among lawmakers on a candidate. In a sign of the protesters' unprecedented influence, top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, who is said to have made and unmade every premier in the post Saddam era, has been notably absent from the manoeuvrings this time around. The protest movement has been hit by intimidation, including assassinations perpetrated by militias, according to the UN. Around 460 people have been killed since October 1, and some 25,000 have been wounded. Yet the protesters appeared to regain some confidence on Sunday. Overnight, demonstrators in Diwaniyah and Basra, another southern city, had declared a "general strike". They burnt tyres to block roads linking southern cities to Baghdad, an AFP correspondent said. The road to Umm Qasr port -- vital for imports -- near Basra was among those blocked. In Karbala and Najaf, two Shiite holy cities, striking students closed schools and gathered in their thousands, AFP correspondents said. In Nasiriyah, protesters blocked bridges and several roads while all public buildings remained closed. Protesters are demanding the fall of Saleh and parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbussi, accusing them of procrastinating. "Iraq must become Iraqi again, and if the president does not help us, we will force him out too," asserted student Houeida, buoyed by the renewed momentum in Tahrir Square.

Thousands protest in Iraq as deadline for new PM looms

Officials and security sources&nbsp;reported that "US forces conducted an operation and captured a leader of paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters over participating in a rocket attack on an airbase housing US&nbsp;troops stationed in Iraq's western province of Anbar.

"The US&nbsp;troops conducted an airdrop operation before dawn on a house in Jubba area and arrested Naseer al-Obeidi, a leader of local tribal fighters affiliated with the Hashd Shaabi forces"&nbsp;a local official said, on condition of anonymity.

Multiple rockets hit an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rockets-hit-military-base-near-baghdad-airport-6-wounded-military-statement-267191">airbase</a> that houses US troops in western Iraq`s Anbar province on December 3 but no casualties were reported, the Iraqi military had said.

The incident came just over a week after US Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-vice-president-avoids-baghdad-leaders-on-surprise-iraq-visit-264128">Mike Pence</a> and his wife Karen had met the American soldiers stationed at the base ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

Officials and security sources reported that "US forces conducted an operation and captured a leader of paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters over participating in a rocket attack on an airbase housing US troops stationed in Iraq's western province of Anbar.

Officials and security sources reported that "US forces conducted an operation and captured a leader of paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters over participating in a rocket attack on an airbase housing US troops stationed in Iraq's western province of Anbar. "The US troops conducted an airdrop operation before dawn on a house in Jubba area and arrested Naseer al-Obeidi, a leader of local tribal fighters affiliated with the Hashd Shaabi forces" a local official said, on condition of anonymity. Multiple rockets hit an airbase that houses US troops in western Iraq`s Anbar province on December 3 but no casualties were reported, the Iraqi military had said. The incident came just over a week after US Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen had met the American soldiers stationed at the base ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

Iraq: US Forces capture leader of paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters

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

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

Chants demanding complete regime change have echoed across Iraq for weeks, but what first brought <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parties-in-talks-over-new-pm-amid-unrelenting-protests-265759">demonstrators onto the street</a> was the profound&nbsp;poverty&nbsp;of one of the world's most oil-rich countries.

And that is what has kept them there, with protesters brushing off the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi as failing to root out the rampant corruption that denies them jobs and public services.&nbsp;

In the southern protest hotspot of Diwaniyah, one of the poorest agricultural areas in the country, Umm Salah has joined rallies every day outside the provincial council.

"I've suffered in my country, even though it's a rich country," she told AFP, carrying an Iraqi tricolour.&nbsp;

The 57-year-old widow has been protesting every day since October with her seven children, none of whom are employed.

They walk four kilometres&nbsp;to reach the protest camp as they cannot afford a taxi from the worn-down informal shelter where they live.&nbsp;

"My husband died four years ago because we are poor and couldn't afford medical treatment in private clinics or hospitals abroad," Umm Salah says.

Iraq suffers from an extremely dilapidated health care system, with hospitals severely under-equipped and doctors often threatened on the basis of political or tribal disputes.&nbsp;

Watch: At least 10 injured in clashes in Najaf

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A bleak future

Despite Iraq being OPEC's second-largest crude producer, one in five of its people <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">live in&nbsp;poverty</a>&nbsp;and youth unemployment stands at one quarter, the World Bank says.

The government has been the largest employer by far for decades but has recently struggled to provide jobs for a growing number of graduates.

Already, youths make up 60 per cent of the 40 million-strong population, which is set to grow by 10 million more before 2030.

The future looks even bleaker given predictions that heavy crude exports,&nbsp;which fund more than 90 per cent of Iraq's state budget,&nbsp;will become less profitable as the world shifts to other energy sources.

For now, protesters blame the staggering joblessness rates on a patronage system that hands out work based on bribes, family connections or party affiliation instead of merit.

Muhannad Fadel, 30, dreamt of a government post when he graduated years ago with a degree in physical education, but his diploma opened few doors for him.

After a brief stint as a university lecturer, Fadel sought other work but his monthly income didn't rise above $100.

"I started to drive a taxi but I was afraid some of my students would recognise me," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"Then I opened a little confectionary store on the ground floor of our home and I make around 5,000 dinars a day," or just $3, he added.

Scraping together some savings, Fadel could marry but not buy a house, so his new wife moved in with his family.

"Our whole family together earns $150 per month. How is that possible in one of the countries with the most oil in the world?" he said.

For him and many protesters, the root of the&nbsp;problem&nbsp;is a political class more interested in earning money and paying homage to regional backers than in improving Iraqi infrastructure, or people's lives.

"They're corrupt and steal the people's money to give to Iran and other parties," Fadel said bitterly.&nbsp;

Iraq is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world by watchdog group Transparency International.

A recent government probe found over $450 billion in public funds were lost to embezzlement, fake contracts or salaries for so-called ghost employees since 2003.&nbsp;

'They stole our oil'

"The deterioration of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-cabinet-resignation-265571">economic conditions of&nbsp;Iraqis</a>&nbsp;is the main reason for protests, as eight million&nbsp;Iraqis&nbsp;live under the&nbsp;poverty&nbsp;line," said Moussa Khalaf, an economic history professor in Diwaniyah.

A series of flare-ups before the major wave of protests erupted in October had hinted at the conflagration that was to come.

In September, local authorities began demolishing unauthorised houses in the shrine city of Karbala, in Basra in the south and in the central city of Kut.

The settlements are home to three million&nbsp;Iraqis, many of them the poorest of the poor.&nbsp;

That same month, a young man in Kut died after desperately setting himself alight when authorities seized his mobile kiosk.

"You need an economic policy that makes use of resources based on scientific and economic facts, not on privileges or political gains," says Khalaf.

Protesters have clung on in the&nbsp;streets&nbsp;and public squares even days after Abdel Mahdi stepped down.

"Of course that's not enough," one young demonstrator in Baghdad's Tahrir Square told AFP about bringing down the head of government.

"We won't leave our barricades until the regime falls, until we get jobs, water, electricity," he said.

Another protester, 45-year-old Hussein Maneh, slammed the government for its years of failure.

"Since 2003, they've done nothing but increased&nbsp;poverty, destroyed agriculture and industry, impoverished schools and hospitals, created confessionalism, and stole our oil," he fumed.&nbsp;

Chants demanding complete regime change have echoed across Iraq for weeks, but what first brought demonstrators onto the street was the profound poverty of one of the world's most oil-rich countries.

Chants demanding complete regime change have echoed across Iraq for weeks, but what first brought demonstrators onto the street was the profound poverty of one of the world's most oil-rich countries. And that is what has kept them there, with protesters brushing off the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi as failing to root out the rampant corruption that denies them jobs and public services. In the southern protest hotspot of Diwaniyah, one of the poorest agricultural areas in the country, Umm Salah has joined rallies every day outside the provincial council. "I've suffered in my country, even though it's a rich country," she told AFP, carrying an Iraqi tricolour. The 57-year-old widow has been protesting every day since October with her seven children, none of whom are employed. They walk four kilometres to reach the protest camp as they cannot afford a taxi from the worn-down informal shelter where they live. "My husband died four years ago because we are poor and couldn't afford medical treatment in private clinics or hospitals abroad," Umm Salah says. Iraq suffers from an extremely dilapidated health care system, with hospitals severely under-equipped and doctors often threatened on the basis of political or tribal disputes. Watch: At least 10 injured in clashes in Najaf A bleak future Despite Iraq being OPEC's second-largest crude producer, one in five of its people live in poverty and youth unemployment stands at one quarter, the World Bank says. The government has been the largest employer by far for decades but has recently struggled to provide jobs for a growing number of graduates. Already, youths make up 60 per cent of the 40 million-strong population, which is set to grow by 10 million more before 2030. The future looks even bleaker given predictions that heavy crude exports, which fund more than 90 per cent of Iraq's state budget, will become less profitable as the world shifts to other energy sources. For now, protesters blame the staggering joblessness rates on a patronage system that hands out work based on bribes, family connections or party affiliation instead of merit. Muhannad Fadel, 30, dreamt of a government post when he graduated years ago with a degree in physical education, but his diploma opened few doors for him. After a brief stint as a university lecturer, Fadel sought other work but his monthly income didn't rise above $100. "I started to drive a taxi but I was afraid some of my students would recognise me," he told AFP. "Then I opened a little confectionary store on the ground floor of our home and I make around 5,000 dinars a day," or just $3, he added. Scraping together some savings, Fadel could marry but not buy a house, so his new wife moved in with his family. "Our whole family together earns $150 per month. How is that possible in one of the countries with the most oil in the world?" he said. For him and many protesters, the root of the problem is a political class more interested in earning money and paying homage to regional backers than in improving Iraqi infrastructure, or people's lives. "They're corrupt and steal the people's money to give to Iran and other parties," Fadel said bitterly. Iraq is ranked the 12th most corrupt country in the world by watchdog group Transparency International. A recent government probe found over $450 billion in public funds were lost to embezzlement, fake contracts or salaries for so-called ghost employees since 2003. 'They stole our oil' "The deterioration of the economic conditions of Iraqis is the main reason for protests, as eight million Iraqis live under the poverty line," said Moussa Khalaf, an economic history professor in Diwaniyah. A series of flare-ups before the major wave of protests erupted in October had hinted at the conflagration that was to come. In September, local authorities began demolishing unauthorised houses in the shrine city of Karbala, in Basra in the south and in the central city of Kut. The settlements are home to three million Iraqis, many of them the poorest of the poor. That same month, a young man in Kut died after desperately setting himself alight when authorities seized his mobile kiosk. "You need an economic policy that makes use of resources based on scientific and economic facts, not on privileges or political gains," says Khalaf. Protesters have clung on in the streets and public squares even days after Abdel Mahdi stepped down. "Of course that's not enough," one young demonstrator in Baghdad's Tahrir Square told AFP about bringing down the head of government. "We won't leave our barricades until the regime falls, until we get jobs, water, electricity," he said. Another protester, 45-year-old Hussein Maneh, slammed the government for its years of failure. "Since 2003, they've done nothing but increased poverty, destroyed agriculture and industry, impoverished schools and hospitals, created confessionalism, and stole our oil," he fumed.

Iraq: Protests still ongoing, people say poverty is problem

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-cabinet-resignation-265571">Iraq's parliament</a> voted on Sunday to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi after weeks of violent anti-government protests that have rocked the country.

Abdul Mahdi's decision to quit on Friday came after a call by Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani for parliament to consider withdrawing its support for Abdul Mahdi's government to stem the violence.

"The Iraqi parliament will ask the president of the state to nominate a new prime minister," a statement from parliament's media office said.

Lawmakers said Abdul Mahdi's government, including the prime minister himself, would stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new government is chosen.

Under the constitution, President Barham Salih is expected to ask the largest bloc in parliament to nominate a new prime minister to form a government, a move expected to trigger weeks of political wrangling.

Iraqi forces have killed nearly 400 mostly young, unarmed demonstrators since mass anti-government protests broke out on Oct. 1. More than a dozen members of the security forces have also died in clashes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-burn-shrine-entrance-in-holy-city-pm-quitting-not-enough-265525">Abdul Mahdi’s resignation</a>, though welcomed by protesters, is not expected to end the demonstrations, which have called for an overhaul of a political system accused of being corrupt and keeping most of the population in poverty.

Protesters on Sunday torched the Iranian consulate in the holy Shi'ite city of Najaf for the second time in a week, police and civil defence sources said.

Demonstrators entered the consulate in Najaf on Wednesday and set fire to the entire building, drawing a deadly response from security forces and escalating the unrest that has led to Abdul Mahdi’s resignation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-burn-tyres-in-southern-iraq-in-renewed-anti-government-rage-265432">Demonstrations are continuing in Baghdad</a> and other southern regions. Security forces killed one protester and wounded nine others near a bridge in the capital on Sunday, police and a medical source said.

In Nassiriya, two protesters died on Sunday from wounds sustained in previous clashes with security forces in the southern city, police and medical sources said.

The unrest poses the biggest challenge for Iraq since Islamic State insurgents seized swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory in 2014.

It pits mostly young, disaffected Shi’ite protesters against a Shi’ite-dominated government backed by Iran and accused of squandering Iraq’s oil wealth while infrastructure and living standards deteriorate.

Iraq's parliament voted on Sunday to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi after weeks of violent anti-government protests that have rocked the country.

Iraq's parliament voted on Sunday to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi after weeks of violent anti-government protests that have rocked the country. Abdul Mahdi's decision to quit on Friday came after a call by Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani for parliament to consider withdrawing its support for Abdul Mahdi's government to stem the violence. "The Iraqi parliament will ask the president of the state to nominate a new prime minister," a statement from parliament's media office said. Lawmakers said Abdul Mahdi's government, including the prime minister himself, would stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new government is chosen. Under the constitution, President Barham Salih is expected to ask the largest bloc in parliament to nominate a new prime minister to form a government, a move expected to trigger weeks of political wrangling. Iraqi forces have killed nearly 400 mostly young, unarmed demonstrators since mass anti-government protests broke out on Oct. 1. More than a dozen members of the security forces have also died in clashes. Abdul Mahdi’s resignation, though welcomed by protesters, is not expected to end the demonstrations, which have called for an overhaul of a political system accused of being corrupt and keeping most of the population in poverty. Protesters on Sunday torched the Iranian consulate in the holy Shi'ite city of Najaf for the second time in a week, police and civil defence sources said. Demonstrators entered the consulate in Najaf on Wednesday and set fire to the entire building, drawing a deadly response from security forces and escalating the unrest that has led to Abdul Mahdi’s resignation. Demonstrations are continuing in Baghdad and other southern regions. Security forces killed one protester and wounded nine others near a bridge in the capital on Sunday, police and a medical source said. In Nassiriya, two protesters died on Sunday from wounds sustained in previous clashes with security forces in the southern city, police and medical sources said. The unrest poses the biggest challenge for Iraq since Islamic State insurgents seized swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory in 2014. It pits mostly young, disaffected Shi’ite protesters against a Shi’ite-dominated government backed by Iran and accused of squandering Iraq’s oil wealth while infrastructure and living standards deteriorate.

Iraq: Parliament approves resignation of Prime Minister Mahdi

At least 10 people have got injured in a clash between police and security forces in the city of Najaf.

Iraq: At least 10 injured in clashes in Najaf

Iraq's rival parties were negotiating the contours of a new government on Monday, after the previous cabinet was brought down by a two-month protest movement demanding more deep-rooted change.

After just over a year in power, premier Adel Abdel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-parliament-approves-resignation-of-prime-minister-mahdi-265661">Mahdi stepped down</a> last week after a dramatic intervention by top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

That followed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protesters-burn-shrine-entrance-in-holy-city-pm-quitting-not-enough-265525">wave of violence</a> that pushed the protest toll to over 420 dead,&nbsp;the vast majority demonstrators.

Parliament on Sunday formally tasked President Barham Saleh with naming a new candidate, as prescribed by the constitution.

But Iraq's competing factions typically engage in drawn-out discussions and horsetrading before any official decisions are made.

Talks over a new premier began even before Abdel Mahdi's formal resignation, a senior political source and a government official told AFP.

"The meetings are ongoing now," the political source added.

Such discussions produced Abdel Mahdi as a candidate in 2018, but agreeing on a single name is expected to be more difficult this time around.

"They understand it has to be a figure who is widely accepted by the diverse centres of power, not objected to by the marjaiyah (Shiite religious establishment), and not hated by the street," said Harith Hasan, a fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center.&nbsp;

The candidate would also have to be acceptable to Iraq's two main allies, arch-rivals Washington and Tehran.&nbsp;

"The Iranians invested a lot in the political equation in last few years and won't be willing to give up easily," said Hasan.&nbsp;

For the first time in Iraq's recent political history, factions have to take public anger into consideration in their talks over candidates.

Protesters hit the streets in early October in Iraq's capital and Shiite-majority south to denounce a ruling system as corrupt, inept and under the sway of foreign powers.

Iraq is the 12th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International.

Despite the oil wealth of OPEC's second-biggest crude producer, one in five people lives below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at a quarter, the World Bank says.

Demonstrators say the problem is systemic, so instead of packing up their protest camps after Abdel Mahdi's resignation, they doubled down.

They insist they want "none of the same faces" that have dominated Iraq's political scene for years, a demand that has complicated the search for a new premier.

Two political heavyweights have already said they were not taking part in talks on a new PM: former premier Haider al-Abadi and unpredictable cleric Moqtada Sadr, who had backed the previous government until protests erupted.

"They're aware the bar is too high and it's too difficult for them to please the street," said Hasan.&nbsp;

But a totally new player is unlikely to be trusted by the established political class.&nbsp;

"The discussions now are over someone from the second or third tier of politicians," the government source told AFP.

"It's not possible to have someone new. It has to be someone who understands the political machine to push things along."

The government and political sources both said parties were considering a "transitional" cabinet that would oversee electoral reform before an early parliamentary vote.&nbsp;

"This process will take no less than six months, in order to prepare for new elections according to a new electoral commission," the official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iraqs-adel-abdel-mahdi-consensus-leader-brought-down-by-street-fury-265619">Abdel Mahdi</a>, 77, is the first premier to step down since Iraq adopted a parliamentary system following the US-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The factions that have accumulated power since then are struggling to "think outside the box" to find solutions to the current political crisis, Hasan said.&nbsp;

"This is the main pressure on them,&nbsp;they realise they are dealing with a different situation and it needs completely different solutions," he told AFP.

Meanwhile, protesters have kept up rallies in Baghdad as well as further south in Diwaniyah, Hilla, Kut and the Shiite shrine city of Najaf.

The latter was rocked by clashes late into the night on Sunday between protesters and armed men protecting a revered tomb of a Shiite cleric.

Tribal fighters intervened to keep the peace, and a tense calm reigned over the city on Monday morning.

And in Nasiriyah, Abdel Mahdi's birthplace and the site of most of the deaths in recent days, protesters clung to their city centre protest sites.

Unsatisfied with the premier's resignation, they called on Monday for the "downfall of the regime."

Iraq's rival parties were negotiating the contours of a new government on Monday, after the previous cabinet was brought down by a two-month protest movement demanding more deep-rooted change.

Iraq's rival parties were negotiating the contours of a new government on Monday, after the previous cabinet was brought down by a two-month protest movement demanding more deep-rooted change. After just over a year in power, premier Adel Abdel Mahdi stepped down last week after a dramatic intervention by top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani. That followed a wave of violence that pushed the protest toll to over 420 dead, the vast majority demonstrators. Parliament on Sunday formally tasked President Barham Saleh with naming a new candidate, as prescribed by the constitution. But Iraq's competing factions typically engage in drawn-out discussions and horsetrading before any official decisions are made. Talks over a new premier began even before Abdel Mahdi's formal resignation, a senior political source and a government official told AFP. "The meetings are ongoing now," the political source added. Such discussions produced Abdel Mahdi as a candidate in 2018, but agreeing on a single name is expected to be more difficult this time around. "They understand it has to be a figure who is widely accepted by the diverse centres of power, not objected to by the marjaiyah (Shiite religious establishment), and not hated by the street," said Harith Hasan, a fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center. The candidate would also have to be acceptable to Iraq's two main allies, arch-rivals Washington and Tehran. "The Iranians invested a lot in the political equation in last few years and won't be willing to give up easily," said Hasan. For the first time in Iraq's recent political history, factions have to take public anger into consideration in their talks over candidates. Protesters hit the streets in early October in Iraq's capital and Shiite-majority south to denounce a ruling system as corrupt, inept and under the sway of foreign powers. Iraq is the 12th most corrupt country in the world, according to Transparency International. Despite the oil wealth of OPEC's second-biggest crude producer, one in five people lives below the poverty line and youth unemployment stands at a quarter, the World Bank says. Demonstrators say the problem is systemic, so instead of packing up their protest camps after Abdel Mahdi's resignation, they doubled down. They insist they want "none of the same faces" that have dominated Iraq's political scene for years, a demand that has complicated the search for a new premier. Two political heavyweights have already said they were not taking part in talks on a new PM: former premier Haider al-Abadi and unpredictable cleric Moqtada Sadr, who had backed the previous government until protests erupted. "They're aware the bar is too high and it's too difficult for them to please the street," said Hasan. But a totally new player is unlikely to be trusted by the established political class. "The discussions now are over someone from the second or third tier of politicians," the government source told AFP. "It's not possible to have someone new. It has to be someone who understands the political machine to push things along." The government and political sources both said parties were considering a "transitional" cabinet that would oversee electoral reform before an early parliamentary vote. "This process will take no less than six months, in order to prepare for new elections according to a new electoral commission," the official said. Abdel Mahdi, 77, is the first premier to step down since Iraq adopted a parliamentary system following the US-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. The factions that have accumulated power since then are struggling to "think outside the box" to find solutions to the current political crisis, Hasan said. "This is the main pressure on them, they realise they are dealing with a different situation and it needs completely different solutions," he told AFP. Meanwhile, protesters have kept up rallies in Baghdad as well as further south in Diwaniyah, Hilla, Kut and the Shiite shrine city of Najaf. The latter was rocked by clashes late into the night on Sunday between protesters and armed men protecting a revered tomb of a Shiite cleric. Tribal fighters intervened to keep the peace, and a tense calm reigned over the city on Monday morning. And in Nasiriyah, Abdel Mahdi's birthplace and the site of most of the deaths in recent days, protesters clung to their city centre protest sites. Unsatisfied with the premier's resignation, they called on Monday for the "downfall of the regime."

Iraq parties in talks over new PM amid unrelenting protests

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

Violence rages in Iraq despite PM's resignation

WION Exclusive: Iraq govt buckles under massive protest. Watch video to know more.

WION Exclusive: Iraq govt buckles under massive protest

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

Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres in southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/5-years-after-islamic-state-massacre-an-iraqi-minority-is-transformed-by-trauma-264933">Iraq</a> and clashed with police in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protester-killed-in-fresh-clashes-in-baghdad-dozens-wounded-across-iraq-264689">Baghdad</a> on Wednesday, aiming to use economic disruption as leverage to push the government from power and root out state corruption.

Security forces shot dead two people in Kerbala overnight and two in Baghdad on Wednesday, while a fifth person died from gunfire by security forces during protests in the southern oil capital of Basra.

Demonstrators prevented government employees getting to work in Basra by installing concrete barriers painted as mock-up coffins of relatives killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-more-iraqi-protesters-shot-dead-in-south-official-264223">weeks of unrest</a>, a Reuters witness said.

Iraq's large protests are the most complex challenge to a Shi'ite Muslim-dominated ruling class that has controlled state institutions and patronage networks since a 2003 US-led invasion toppled Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein.

Young, mostly Shi'ite protesters say politicians are corrupt and blame them for Iraq's failure to recover from decades of conflict and sanctions despite two years of relative calm following the defeat of Islamic State.

The unrest has shattered that calm and authorities warn against its exploitation by armed groups, especially should protest-related violence spread to northern Iraq where IS militants are waging an insurgency.

The Sunni extremist group on Thursday claimed three bomb blasts in Baghdad overnight which killed at least six people but provided no evidence for the claim.

Government reform has amounted to little more than a handful of state jobs for graduates, stipends for the poor and pledges of election reform which lawmakers have barely begun to discuss.

"First we were demanding reform and an end to corruption," said Ali Nasser, an unemployed engineering graduate protesting in Basra.

"But after the government started killing peaceful protesters we won't leave before it's been toppled together with the corrupt ruling class."

Slow, meaningless reform

Alia, a 23-year-old medical student, said: "The reforms are just words. We want actions. We've had 16 years of words without actions. We have been robbed for 16 years."

Security forces meanwhile shot dead more demonstrators. In the holy city of Kerbala, south of Baghdad, they used live ammunition against protesters, killing two overnight. Two more were killed in clashes near Baghdad's Ahrar Bridge on Wednesday.

Near Basra one protester died of wounds from gunfire, police and medics said, bringing the toll since unrest broke out on October&nbsp;1 to 344 people dead nationwide.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi expressed concern over both the violence and the financial toll of unrest late on Tuesday but mostly blamed unidentified saboteurs for the damage.

"There have been martyrs among protesters and security forces, many wounded and arrested ... we're trying to identify mistakes" made by security forces in trying to put down the protests, he told a televised cabinet meeting.

"The blocking of ports has cost billions of dollars."

Protesters have blocked traffic into Iraq's main commodities port near Basra this month and tried to surround the Central Bank in Baghdad, apparently bent on causing economic disruption where calls for the removal of the government have failed.

The government is moving slowly in enacting any kind of change. Promises of electoral reform and an early general election have yet to be ratified by parliament, and the political class has closed ranks in the face of a significant challenge to its grip on power.

Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres in southern Iraq and clashed with police in Baghdad on Wednesday, aiming to use economic disruption as leverage to push the government from power and root out state corruption.

Protesters blocked roads with burning tyres in southern Iraq and clashed with police in Baghdad on Wednesday, aiming to use economic disruption as leverage to push the government from power and root out state corruption. Security forces shot dead two people in Kerbala overnight and two in Baghdad on Wednesday, while a fifth person died from gunfire by security forces during protests in the southern oil capital of Basra. Demonstrators prevented government employees getting to work in Basra by installing concrete barriers painted as mock-up coffins of relatives killed in weeks of unrest, a Reuters witness said. Iraq's large protests are the most complex challenge to a Shi'ite Muslim-dominated ruling class that has controlled state institutions and patronage networks since a 2003 US-led invasion toppled Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein. Young, mostly Shi'ite protesters say politicians are corrupt and blame them for Iraq's failure to recover from decades of conflict and sanctions despite two years of relative calm following the defeat of Islamic State. The unrest has shattered that calm and authorities warn against its exploitation by armed groups, especially should protest-related violence spread to northern Iraq where IS militants are waging an insurgency. The Sunni extremist group on Thursday claimed three bomb blasts in Baghdad overnight which killed at least six people but provided no evidence for the claim. Government reform has amounted to little more than a handful of state jobs for graduates, stipends for the poor and pledges of election reform which lawmakers have barely begun to discuss. "First we were demanding reform and an end to corruption," said Ali Nasser, an unemployed engineering graduate protesting in Basra. "But after the government started killing peaceful protesters we won't leave before it's been toppled together with the corrupt ruling class." Slow, meaningless reform Alia, a 23-year-old medical student, said: "The reforms are just words. We want actions. We've had 16 years of words without actions. We have been robbed for 16 years." Security forces meanwhile shot dead more demonstrators. In the holy city of Kerbala, south of Baghdad, they used live ammunition against protesters, killing two overnight. Two more were killed in clashes near Baghdad's Ahrar Bridge on Wednesday. Near Basra one protester died of wounds from gunfire, police and medics said, bringing the toll since unrest broke out on October 1 to 344 people dead nationwide. Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi expressed concern over both the violence and the financial toll of unrest late on Tuesday but mostly blamed unidentified saboteurs for the damage. "There have been martyrs among protesters and security forces, many wounded and arrested ... we're trying to identify mistakes" made by security forces in trying to put down the protests, he told a televised cabinet meeting. "The blocking of ports has cost billions of dollars." Protesters have blocked traffic into Iraq's main commodities port near Basra this month and tried to surround the Central Bank in Baghdad, apparently bent on causing economic disruption where calls for the removal of the government have failed. The government is moving slowly in enacting any kind of change. Promises of electoral reform and an early general election have yet to be ratified by parliament, and the political class has closed ranks in the face of a significant challenge to its grip on power.

Five shot dead as Iraq protesters block roads to press reforms

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