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Iraq
A protester runs past flaming tires and through tear gas fumes at the scene of clashes with security forces in Tayaran Square, east of Tahrir Square on January 20, 2020. Photo: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – At least 14 security members have been wounded during Monday clashes with protesters near Tahrir Square, according to the Iraqi Security Media Cell.
After relative quiet between Iraqi security forces and protesters in the streets of Baghdad and southern provinces, protesters started to block roads and streets in Baghdad and other southern Iraqi cities on Sunday to put pressure on politicians to meet their demands.
In return, security forces used excessive forces to push back protesters and open the blocked streets and roads in Baghdad and other cities.
The Iraqi Security Media Cell released a statement on their official Facebook page on Monday confirming that 14 security members, including a major general, had been wounded after stones were hurled by “hooligans.”
“A group of violent hooligans started to throw rocks at the security members who were stationed near Tahrir Square to protect the peaceful protesters,” the statement read, adding that some were hit on the head.
The statement also revealed that a military Major General had been wounded in his leg during the clashes.
At least nine individuals have also been detained for blocking the main Muhammad al-Qasim highway in Baghdad, the capital's main road.
“A group of outlaw young people blocked the Muhammad al-Qasim highway on Monday at 8:30 am,” according to a Facebook post by the Media Cell. “Security forces reopened the highway, detained the group and transferred them to face justice,” it added.
Iraqis have been protesting in central and southern parts of Iraq for more than 100 days, demanding real changes in the country and threatening to topple the political class that has held power since 2005.
Iraqi security forces and armed militias in Iraq have responded to the protests in Baghdad and southern provinces with excessive force. As of December, more than 511 protesters and members of security forces have been killed and around 17,000 more wounded since protests began on October 1.
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