Massive Protests in Iraq over Poor Services Leave Casualties

The protests that have swept southern cities over poor services prompted authorities to place Iraq’s security forces on high alert.

Hundreds of protesters on Sunday rallied in Basra where police used water cannons and tear gas as some of the demonstrators tried to storm the provincial government building.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abad visited Basra on Friday in a bid to help restore calm to the oil-rich province, pledging to take “necessary measures against infiltrators and pursue them in accordance with the law.”

Abadi, who also serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces, ordered security forces to remain on high alert, Reuters quoted unnamed military intelligence and Ministry of Defense sources as saying.

A statement from Abadi’s office cited “small and organized groups who try to exploit the peaceful demonstrations of citizens to sabotage and attack state institutions and private property.”

On Saturday, about 100 protesters closed access to the Umm Qasr commodities port near Basra. Port employees said the road leading into the terminal was blocked and trucks had no way of getting in or out.

Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luaibi has said that the protesters tried to break into an oil installation in the West Qurna 2 oil field of Basra province.

The rallies began in the southern oil hub of Basra last week amid concerns over acute unemployment as well as electricity and water shortages and spread to several other cities, including Najaf, Amara, Nasiriya and Baghdad.

Two more protesters were reported killed in Amara overnight Saturday, bringing to three the number of demonstrators who have lost their lives since the unrest erupted last Sunday.

Protesters occupied the headquarters of the provincial governorate in Amara, threw stones at branches of the Dawa party, and beat up policemen.

It was not clear who killed them but provincial authorities said there had been “indiscriminate gunfire” in the city.

Hundreds of demonstrators entered Najaf airport’s main hall and walked onto the tarmac on Friday, but air traffic resumed later after the protesters withdrew.

Witnesses said security forces allowed protesters to enter the main airport building. Head of the airport’s administrative council Jawad al-Karawi said certain officials and politicians were trying to economically harm the airport.

The holy city of Najaf is a popular destination for Shia pilgrims. Flights to Iran’s holy city of Mashhad also take place from Najaf, with IRNA news agency saying they had been temporarily suspended until further notice.

Unidentified calls were posted on social media Saturday for massive demonstrations to take place in Baghdad. Some urged demonstrators to head for the fortified Green Zone, an area out of bounds for most Iraqis where key institutions and embassies including the US and British missions, are located.