BAGHDAD – At least 40 protesters were killed in Iraq when security forces and an Iranian-backed militia opened fire to quell renewed demonstrations, security sources said.
A government intelligence officer and a member of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia were killed in a clash with protesters in Amara on Friday, police said.
According to the Iraqi High Commission on Human Rights (IHCHR), over 2,000 people were injured nationwide as demonstrators vented frustration at political elites.
The bloodshed was the second major bout of violence this month. A series of clashes two weeks ago between protesters and security forces left 157 people dead and over 6,000 wounded.
Eight protesters were killed in Baghdad on Friday, the IHCHR said.
At least five of them were protesters struck by tear gas canisters.(Reuters)
