Iraqi troops shoot four protesters dead as demonstrations continue in Basra

Basra (Iraqinews.com) – Four Iraqi protesters were killed and three others were injured after security forces opened fire at them to restore security in the unrest-plagued southern governorate of Basra, a security source was quoted as saying.

According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Iraqi troops “opened fire at a group of protesters who gathered outside the headquarters of Basra provincial council in a bid to storm it, leaving four demonstrators dead and three others injured.”

The source added that the troops also demolished a number of tents that were established by the protesters outside the provincial council building.

Iraqi demonstrators had started a sit-in early Sunday outside the local council of Basra province, demanding job opportunities and enhanced services.

The sit-in caused clashes with security forces, resulting in a number of injuries among the protesters.

Protesters made a call for massive demonstrations this afternoon in Basra.

Demonstrations have been hitting Basra since last week, where security forces announced a city-wide curfew to end skirmishes between protesters and security forces.

On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi pledged  to release funds to Basra to improve water, electricity and health services there.