Iraqi officials: 3 dead, dozens wounded in Baghdad protests

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces fired tear gas and live rounds during clashes with anti-government protesters overnight and on Monday morning in Baghdad, killing three and wounding dozens of demonstrators, officials said.

The clashes prompted authorities to close key streets and thoroughfares leading to the Iraqi capital’s center.

The violence is the latest since protests in Iraq reignited last week after a brief lull amid soaring tensions between Washington and Tehran following a U.S. drone strike that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad earlier this month.

A gunshot wound killed one protester, while a second died after being struck in the head by a tear-gas canister, medical officials said. A third later succumbed to his injuries, the officials said.