Five killed in fierce Baghdad protests
BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces killed at least five people when they opened fire on protesters in Baghdad yesterday, a Reuters witness said, as thousands took part in the largest wave of antigovernment protests for decades.
Demonstrations also took place in several other locations, including the main Gulf port Umm Qasr and southern Shatra, where security forces also killed two protesters.
In Baghdad, a Reuters cameraman saw one man shot dead when security forces opened fire with live rounds on demonstrators near the Ahrar Bridge. He also saw at least four others killed.
Security and medical sources put the toll at four killed and 34 wounded, but could only confirm one death from live fire. Two were a result of rubber bullets and tear gas, giving no reason for the fourth death.
The sources also said two people were killed, including a police officer, when special forces tasked with protecting the heavily fortified Green Zone opened live fire on protesters. At least 22 people were wounded.
A spokesman for the prime minister said a group of protesters had crossed the bridge and set fire to a restaurant, and that law enforcement ‘‘dealt’’ with them, but did not elaborate.
Separately, two protesters were killed and 12 wounded after police used live fire and tear gas against them in the town of Shatra, 45km north of the southern city of Nassiriya, security and medical sources said.
More than 250 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests. — Reuters