Iraqi soldiers are seen at Umm Qasr Port after it was closed by protesters in south of Basra, Iraq September 6, 2018.
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 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
Demonstrators 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 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