Iraqi women shout slogans during a protest in Basra, Iraq September 7, 2018.
The number of demonstrators killed in Iraq’s southern Basra province within the last week has risen to 11, according to local sources.
Two more protestors were killed Thursday evening as demonstrations continued in Basra city, a source at the city’s general hospital -- who preferred anonymity -- told Anadolu Agency on Friday.
One of the slain protesters was killed by gunfire while the second died after suffering severe burns, the source said.
The Iraqi authorities on Friday shut the strategic Umm Qasr seaport in Iraq’s southern Basra province amid ongoing popular demonstrations in Basra city.Located on the western edge of the Al-Faw Peninsula, where Iraq’s Shatt al-Arab waterway enters the Persian Gulf, Umm Qasr -- Iraq’s only deep-water port -- port is located some 60 kilometers south of Basra city.Since July 9, Iraq’s Shia-majority central and southern provinces -- especially Basra -- have been rocked by demonstrations, which at one point spread to capital Baghdad.Three protesters dead during violent unrest in Iraq's BasraDemonstrators demand improved public utilities, more job opportunities and an end to perceived government corruption.Since the protests began, at least 26 demonstrators have been killed in clashes with security forces, according to Iraq’s state-run human rights commission.For years, Basra residents have complained that foreign nationals, rather than locals, were being employed by the domestic energy sector.Roughly 80 percent of Iraq’s total crude oil exports originate from oilfields in Basra province.Baghdad's 'Green Zone' comes under mortar attack
Iraqi authorities shut down key port Umm Qasr over Basra protests
The hospital also received 45 people who had been injured by gunfire or teargas, the same source added.
In a statement, Iraq’s state-run Human Rights Commission confirmed the death on Thursday evening of at least two protesters.
Thursday evening also saw the Iraqi army’s Basra Operations Command impose an indefinite, province-wide curfew.
Three protesters died during violent unrest in Iraq's Basra on Thursday, local health and security sources said.The protesters died during attacks on local government and political party buildings, the sources said, bringing the total number of dead protesters since widespread demonstrations kicked off on Monday to 10.Ten members of the security forces were also wounded, the sources said. Baghdad's 'Green Zone' comes under mortar attackIraqi officials lift planned Basra curfew minutes before it was due to startIraq army blames ‘gunmen’ for protester deaths in Basra
Three protesters dead during violent unrest in Iraq's Basra
The move came after demonstrators attempted to torch several government buildings, including Basra’s provincial headquarters and the state television broadcast building.
Angry protesters also targeted the offices of certain pro-Iran political parties and -- at one point -- reportedly converged on the Iranian consulate in Basra.
Basra Police First Lieutenant Dhiyab Saloum al-Jaberi told Anadolu Agency on Friday that the curfew was aimed at deterring armed gangs from exploiting the chaos to carry out criminal acts.
Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone came under mortar attack, the media arm of Iraq’s defense ministry said early Friday.Three mortars landed in the zone, where foreign missions and government buildings are located, it said in a statement.There were no casualties or damage, it added.Iraqi officials lift planned Basra curfew minutes before it was due to startIraqi authorities declare city-wide curfew in Basra to quell protestsIraq army blames ‘gunmen’ for protester deaths in BasraIraqis stage fresh protests in Basra after deaths
Baghdad's 'Green Zone' comes under mortar attack
Since July 9, Iraq’s Shia-majority central and southern provinces -- especially Basra -- have been rocked by protests to demand better public services, more job opportunities and an end to government corruption.
Since the protests began almost two months ago, at least 26 demonstrators have been killed in clashes with security forces, according to the rights commission.