Demonstrators in Iraq block second port

BAGHDAD — Anti-government protesters blocked access to a second major commercial port in southern Iraq on Tuesday, as bridge closures effectively split the capital in half.

Since anti-government protests began Oct. 1, at least 320 people have been killed and thousands wounded in Baghdad and the mostly Shiite southern provinces. Demonstrators have taken to the streets over what they say is widespread corruption, lack of job opportunities and poor basic services, despite the country’s oil wealth.

Security forces have used live ammunition, tear gas and stun guns to repel protesters — tactics that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday would be punished with sanctions.

“We will not stand idle while the corrupt officials make the Iraqi people suffer. Today, I am affirming the United States will use our legal authorities to sanction corrupt individuals that are stealing Iraqis’ wealth and those killing and wounding peaceful protesters,” he told reporters in Washington.

Over a dozen protesters blocked the main entrance to Khor al-zubair port, halting trade activity as oil tankers and other trucks carrying goods were unable to enter or exit.

Khor al-zubair is the second largest port in the country. Protesters had burned tires and cut access to the main Gulf commercial port in Umm Qasr on Monday and continued to block roads Tuesday.

Iraqi civilians are increasingly relying on boats to ferry them across the Tigris River as ongoing standoffs between demonstrators and Iraqi security forces on three key bridges has shut main thoroughfares connecting east and west Baghdad.

The Jumhuriya, Sinak and Ahrar bridges, which have been partially occupied by protesters, connect both sides of the city by passing over the Tigris River.