Iraq Cracks Down on Anti-Government Protesters... 'At Least 7 Dead'

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] As the Iraqi government has launched a crackdown to end the anti-government protests that have continued for four months, casualties are mounting. The standoff between protesters and the military and police resembles a battlefield.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to Iraqi police and medical sources on the 27th (local time), two people lost their lives from gunfire during the protest suppression in the Nasiriyah area in southeastern Iraq. The Iraqi military and police have been conducting a harsh crackdown for three consecutive days. During the suppression over the weekend, five people died, bringing the confirmed death toll to seven so far.

According to foreign media, 75 people were injured by live bullets in Nasiriyah alone. Overnight, clashes occurred as the Iraqi military and police moved to suppress bridges occupied by protesters.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

In Nasiriyah, four trucks of unknown affiliation reportedly appeared, firing guns at the protest camp and then setting it on fire. The protesters are resisting by building structures using bricks and other materials. Additionally, some protesters attacked a police station and set fire to parked police vehicles.

The anti-government protests, which have continued for several months without a specific leadership, are mainly composed of Sunni believers. After the Saddam Hussein regime was toppled by the United States, the Shiite majority, which makes up the majority of the population, took control of the current government. They are protesting against economic hardship, corruption, and foreign interference, including from Iran.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Recently, the Iraqi government's harsh crackdown is interpreted as a move to end the months-long unrest caused by the anti-government protesters. It is reported that more than 500 protesters have lost their lives due to anti-government protests centered in Baghdad and southern cities in Iraq.

Meanwhile, in Baghdad's Green Zone, there were five Katyusha (multiple rocket launcher) rocket attacks. Among them, one directly targeted the U.S. embassy building. No casualties from this attack have been reported. The U.S. State Department stated, "Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed anger over the continued attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq," adding, "This is an act of ignoring the Iraqi government and shows that dangerous armed groups are out of control."