BAGHDAD – Large numbers of security forces were deployed to the streets of the Iraqi capital Saturday evening as authorities fear the current unrest in Basra may spread. 

A night-time curfew has been imposed on Basra. Facebook and other online services have been disrupted. 

The main complaint of demonstrators is a lack of jobs. The official unemployment rate in Iraq is 10.8 percent, but that figure doubles among the country’s large young population. Nearly 59 percent of Iraq’s population is under the age of 25.

Protesters in Basra are planning a major demonstration for Sunday. 

Photos: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP