Death toll jumps to 104 as violent protests continue in Iraq
A demonstrator shows the victory signs during a protest against government corruption amid dissatisfaction at lack of jobs and services in Baghdad, Iraq October 1, 2019. REUTERS/Khalid al-Mousily
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Interior Ministry spokesman said on Sunday that the death toll from anti-government protests in Iraq rose to 104, including eight security members.
“As many as 104 people, including eight security members, were killed and at least 6,000 others injured in ongoing protests in Iraq,” Maj. Gen. Saad Maan told a press conference.
The spokesman noted that protesters also set fire to 51 public facilities and eight partisan headquarters in the mass protests, which entered their sixth day.
He added that a probe was launched to identify whoever targets the innocent demonstrators.
The unrest is the most serious challenge facing Iraq two years after the victory against Islamic State militants.
The chaos also comes at a critical time for the government, which has been caught in the middle of increasing U.S.-Iran tensions in the region.
Iraq is allied with both countries and hosts thousands of U.S. troops, as well as powerful paramilitary forces allied with Iran.