“We are certain that the government and the people of Iraq will act to calm down the tense atmosphere and will not allow some movement to continue which will be taken advantage of by foreigners,” Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
However, it called on Iranians “to postpone their trips to Iraq until the conditions settle down and heed the warnings of the political and security officials of the Arbaeen”.
A senior pilgrimage official told Iranian state television the Khosravi border crossing between Iran and Iraq has been closed, but other crossings will remain open, Reuters reports.
Millions of Shiite Muslims from across the world travel to Iraq’s holy shrine city of Karbala to mark Arbaeen every year. The ministry’s call to postpone the pilgrimage reflects how violent the protests have become since they began in the capital Baghdad on Tuesday.
Protesters rallied in Tahrir Square to demand action on corruption, unemployment, and the lack of basic services, among other burning issues facing the Iraqi public.
Security forces were heavy handed in their response, firing on protesters with live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons.
Thirty-one people have been killed and 1,188 wounded across the country since the protests began on Tuesday, Hemin Bajalan, a member of Iraq’s Human Rights Commission, told Rudaw. At least 257 people have been detained. Of these, 209 are still in custody.
Internet services are down across southern Iraqi cities, which have also been placed under curfew.
“The Iraqi government intentionally cutting off internet services for Baghdad and the rest of Iraqi provinces constitutes a violation of the freedom of expression and silences the people,” Sarmad al-Badri, media officer of the Iraqi Human Rights Commission, told Rudaw on Thursday.
Rudaw’s reporter in Baghdad could not broadcast live from the protests due to the internet blackout.
Reporting from the scene by telephone, he said security forces had imposed an indefinite curfew since 5am. All vehicles and pedestrians have been prevented from entering public spaces including Tahrir Square.
Tracer fire could be clearly seen in the night sky on Thursday night as security forces fired warning shots into the air. Rudaw’s crew had to take cover when gunshots were fired over their heads while interviewing protesters.
“What do we want? We just want these young people to have jobs, to have money. That is why we are out. We don’t need another thing. Don’t we have oil? We just want to become like an Arab Gulf country,” one protestor told Rudaw near the square.
The protests have spread beyond the capital. Rasheed al-Saray, a member of Dhi Qar provincial council, told Rudaw on Thursday protests had broken out there too.
“The protests started in Nasriyah, al-Rafai, al-Shiyukh bazar, al-Shatrah, and al-Diwaya,” al-Saray said.
“It is possible for the protests to resurge Thursday evening in a number of towns in Dhi Qar province,” he added.
A medical source at the Dhi Qar Health Directorate told Rudaw on Thursday that al-Nasiryah hospital has received three dead and 35 wounded. They expect the number of casualties to rise.
Canada issued new travel advice on Thursday for nationals visiting Iraq.
“Expect road closures, including those leading to the Baghdad International Airport, and areas to be sealed off, including the Green Zone. Curfews and other security restrictions can be imposed at short notice. Restrictions to internet and social media may occur,” the Canadian government said.
“Canadians should remain vigilant at all times, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media. We recommend that Canadians get in touch with their family members and emergency contacts in Canada to confirm their whereabouts and wellbeing, even if they have not been affected by this event,” it added.
The protests pose a serious threat to the government of Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, who has been in office for less than a year.
Last summer, Iraqis also took to the streets to demand jobs, electricity, and basic services.
The violent crackdown which followed cost former prime minister Haider al-Abadi’s chances of securing a second term in office.
