ERBIL, Kurdistan Region- Recent clashes between protesters and Iraqi soldiers have disrupted life in Baghdad and demonstrators have been prevented from gathering at Tahrir Square, a Rudaw reporter said Saturday. “Baghdad is disrupted and normal life is paused,” said Bahman Hassan. “Massive Iraqi security forces have taken to the streets in Tahrir Square and the Green Zone to prevent demonstrators from protesting,” Hassan added. He reported that Baghdad streets are empty and many of the shops are closed. “Rasheed Street, one of the most popular streets in Baghdad, is usually crowded. It is now empty and no shop is opened,” he added. Baghdad is under heavy security, with soldiers deployed around key centers, a day after angry protests left hundreds injured by live fire and tear gas. All roads to the heavily fortified Green Zone were closed, including routes to the Komari Bridge and Sanak that connect parts of the capital to one another. On Friday, at least 570 people were treated at Baghdad hospitals, as protesters once again stormed the Green Zone on Friday, slamming security forces for using force that killed three protesters, hospital sources said.
