Iraqi protesters defy curfew as violence leaves 33 dead

BAGHDAD Anti- government demonstrators defied a round- the- clock curfew in Baghdad and other cities Thursday as Iraqi security forces used live ammunition and tear gas during a third day of unrest that has left 33 people dead, most of them protesters.

Authorities cut internet access in much of Iraq since late Wednesday in a desperate move to curb the rallies. By Thursday afternoon, the curfew was extended to three other southern provinces.

The spontaneous rallies have been spurred mostly by youths wanting jobs, improved services such as electricity and water, and an end to endemic corruption in the oil- rich country. Most of the demonstrators were peaceful; many had their faces covered with masks or Iraqi flags.

The streets of Baghdad were littered with tear gas canisters and empty bullet casings. Smoke from burned tires rose above the streets as protesters tried to prevent security forces from advancing. The forces spread barbed wires and armored vehicles to block their path.

“Even with a curfew, we are not turning back,” shouted protester Abu Qassim.

The unrest is the most serious challenge for Prime Minister Adel Abdul- Mahdi’s year- old government, which also has been caught in the middle of increasing U. S.- Iran tension in the region. Iraq is allied with both countries and hosts thousands of U. S. troops, as well as powerful paramilitary forces allied with Iran.

At least five protesters were shot and killed Thursday in Zaafaraniya, a southern Baghdad neighborhood, according to police and a medical official.