8 protesters are killed in latest clashes

BAGHDAD » Eight people died and at least 90 were wounded on Thursday in renewed clashes in central Baghdad, in the most violent clashes between anti- government protesters and security forces in recent days, Iraqi officials said.

Separately, one policeman was killed and six others wounded when an IED exploded in northeast Baghdad, security officials said.

One person was killed when security forces hurled sound bombs at crowds of protesters on the strategic Sinak bridge late Thursday, security and hospital officials said.

Earlier clashes had erupted on Baghdad’s Rasheed Street, a cultural center known for its old crumbling buildings, and on the Ahrar bridge.

Security forces fired live ammunition, tear gas and sound bombs to disperse dozens of protesters, causing the fatalities.

Protesters have been occupying parts of Baghdad’s three main bridges — Sinak and Ahrar and Jumurhiya — leading to the heavily fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq’s government. Security forces are deployed on the other side to repel them from entering the area, which houses government buildings and various foreign embassies, including the United States.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Two protesters were killed when tear gas canisters struck them and one was killed by live ammunition during the clashes on Rasheed Street.

Four protesters were killed in fighting near Ahrar and Sinak bridges early Thursday.