Security forces pushed out of Nasiriya as protester death toll rises
NASIRIYA, Iraq - Government security forces have been pushed out of the city of Nasiriya as the killing of protesters continues unabated.
More than 25 people were killed on Thursday, prompting local tribes to take over security and administrative matters.
Security checkpoints are now being manned by volunteers.
The new system was welcomed by locals, who seem to trust their tribal leaders more than those in Erbil and Baghdad.
"Our Sheikhs are on the ground alongside us. Those people who speak on our behalf from outside our cities and in Erbil, they do not represent us," one protester told Rudaw.
Video by Sarkawt Mohammed
Translation by Zhelwan Z. Wali
More than 25 people were killed on Thursday, prompting local tribes to take over security and administrative matters.
Security checkpoints are now being manned by volunteers.
The new system was welcomed by locals, who seem to trust their tribal leaders more than those in Erbil and Baghdad.
"Our Sheikhs are on the ground alongside us. Those people who speak on our behalf from outside our cities and in Erbil, they do not represent us," one protester told Rudaw.
Video by Sarkawt Mohammed
Translation by Zhelwan Z. Wali