At least 5 protesters killed in new round of clashes in Iraq

Anti-government protesters cross a major bridge in Baghdad on Monday, approaching the Prime Minister’s Office and the headquarters of Iraq’s state-run TV, as security forces fire live ammunition and tear gas, killing at least five demonstrators and wounding dozens.

The protesters hurl rocks and set tires and dumpsters ablaze, sending clouds of black smoke into the air. Security forces flood into the area to protect government buildings, and gunfire echoes through the streets.

Dozens of motorized rickshaws race back and forth, ferrying the wounded to first aid stations at the main protest site in Tahrir Square.

For days, the protesters have been trying to cross the Tigris River to the heavily fortified Green Zone, where the government is headquartered. Security forces have fired tear gas and rubber bullets to push them back from barricades on the Al-Joumhouriyah and Al-Sanak Bridges, but they managed to break through on the Al-Ahrar Bridge, farther north.

— AP

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.