Security forces kill 50 protesters in Iraq’s south

At least 230 protesters hurt in Nasiriyah, 350 in Najaf; death toll since Oct 1 now at 348 with 15,000 injured

BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces killed at least 50 protesters on Thursday while attempting to disperse demonstrators in the country’s southern cities of Nasiriyah and Najaf, according to medical sources.

A source who works for the Health Department in Dhi Qar province told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity that 32 people were killed and 230 others injured in Nasiriyah.

According to the source, the casualties occurred during clashes between protesters and security forces on al-Nasr and al-Zeytun bridges.

Iraqi demonstrators take part in the ongoing anti-government protests in Nassiriya, Iraq. PHOTO: REUTERS

Security forces clashed with protesters early Thursday in an attempt to control the two bridges, which have been closed since last Wednesday, a security source told Anadolu Agency earlier.

Thousands in bloody protests across Iraq, 46 dead

Clashes in Najaf between protesters and the police left at least 18 people dead and 350 injured by live bullets and tear gas, according to a source with the Najaf Health Office.

Eyewitnesses said unidentified armed men in civilian clothes opened fire on protesters during demonstrations in many parts of the city.

PHOTO: REUTERS

The Najaf Operations Command has also extended a curfew imposed since Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi appointed General Ali al-Hashemi as military commander to ensure security in Najaf.

Iraqi demonstrators throw stones towards Iraqi security forces during the ongoing anti-government protests in Baghdad. PHOTO: REUTERS

Iraq has been rocked by mass protests since early October against poor living conditions and corruption. Protesters’ demands later spiraled into calls for dissolving the government of Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

According to Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights, at least 348 Iraqis have been killed and 15,000 injured since the protests began on October 1.