Two protesters died in Iraq on Tuesday as police fought running street battles with anti-government demonstrators, firing tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse stone-throwing youths demanding reform of what they see as a corrupt political system.
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One protester died after being hit in the head by a tear gas canister fired by security forces on Baghdad's Mohammed al-Qassim highway, according to reports.
Fellow protesters carried his body away in a tuk-tuk in clouds of tear gas.
Another demonstrator succumbed to a bullet wound sustained on Monday in the city of Baquba, where at least 50 demonstrators were wounded, medical sources said.
Clashes erupted for a third straight day in Baghdad's Tayaran Square, in southern cities including Basra, and in the Shi'ite holy cities of Kerbala and Najaf.
Mostly young protesters hurled stones and petrol bombs at police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Outgoing prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi urged an end to violent demonstrations, saying they could further destabilise Iraq at a time of great regional friction.
Iraq has been beset by unrest since October 1 2019. The protesters are demanding an end to what they say is deeply-rooted corruption among an elite that has run Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003. More than 450 people have been killed so far.
President Barham Salih is expected to appoint a new premier this week, state media reported, to replace Mahdi, who has been forced out by the demonstrations.
Australian Associated Press
