Iraqi protesters storm local govt building amid anger over graft
Protesters stormed the provincial government building in the Iraqi city of Kerbala on Saturday as protests over poor public services and corruption across southern Iraq entered their sixth day. Demonstrations also took place in the cities of Najaf and Basra, where security forces announced city-wide curfews amid reports of skirmishes between protesters and local militia groups.
In Basra, seven protesters were injured after clashing with guards belonging to a local militia group, security forces said. Oil exports from Basra account for more than 95 per cent of OPEC producer Iraq’s state revenues. Any potential disruptions could severely impact Iraq’s limping economy, though officials said the protests had not so far impacted crude production.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced that his government would release funds to Basra for water, electricity and health services, state television said.