Gunmen kill Iraqi security man, wound four others near protest in Basra
Iraqi security forces arrive near the site of the protests in Tahrir square, central Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – An Iraqi security man was killed and four others were wounded in an armed attack in protest-hit Sadr city, east of Baghdad, the Iraqi army said.
The troops were stationed near the Muzafar Square in Sadr city to secure a government building and protests when unidentified gunmen opened fire at them, the Security Media Cell said in a press statement.
A security member was killed and four others were wounded, including two officers, in the attack, the statement read.
The police force did not respond with fire to avoid the fall of more victims, it added.
Violent anti-government protests have erupted in Baghdad and other cities since Tuesday, prompting security forces to fire live rounds and tear gas into the demonstrating crowds.
The demonstrations came in response to online campaigns to express anger about the deteriorating situation in the country, topped by the lack of services, rampant corruption and high unemployment rates.
It is the most serious disruption to hit the country since the defeat of Islamic State two years ago.