Iraq security forces deployed on streets of Basra скачать в хорошем качестве

Iraq security forces deployed on streets of Basra

(9 Nov 2019) Iraqi security forces were deployed on the streets of Basra on Saturday after protesters in the southern city stormed the Iranian consulate and torched government buildings, in violence that rocked the oil-exporting Shiite heartland and sparked alarm across a conflict-weary country. Masked troops in combat fatigues set up checkpoints and rode through the city centre in black pickup trucks with heavy weapons mounted in the back. Security forces in Humvees were deployed at intersections. Angry protesters have torched government buildings and offices belonging to the Iranian-backed militias in the week-long protests demanding improved services and an end to corruption. On Friday night protesters chanting anti-Iranian slogans including "Iran, out, out!" stormed the Iranian consulate and set it on fire. The deployment came after an alliance of powerful Shiite militias, many of them backed by Iran, vowed to respond to the violent protests that have gripped the city for the past week, raising the threat of further violence. At least 15 people were killed and 249 injured in clashes between protesters and security forces this week, health officials said. Since June, Basra has been shaken by the most serious protests in the oil-rich southern region in years, with angry residents complaining of poor public services. In recent days protests escalated as crowds turned their rage on neighbouring Iran, blaming its outsized influence in Iraq's political affairs for their misery and calling for radical change. Iran controls powerful Shiite militias in Basra, home to some of the largest oil fields in Iraq. Despite the oil wealth, the city has long suffered from government neglect, soaring unemployment and a crumbling infrastructure. Over the past month, thousands of people were hospitalised after drinking polluted water. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...