Death toll surges to 44 as Iraq unrest accelerates; no "magic solution” says PM – World

The number of deaths per day of violent demonstrations across Iraq rose to 44 on Friday, most of them killed in the last 24 hours, as the unrest accelerated rapidly across the country despite a plea by the prime minister for the calm.

In a television speech during the night, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said he understood the public's frustration, but that there was no "magic solution" to Iraq's problems. He made promises of reform, but they got a derogatory response from the protesters.

Violent demonstrations have intensified day by day since they first broke out on Tuesday, spontaneously sweeping across the country, without public support from any organized political group and surprising the authorities.

Security forces fired live ammunition against crowds of mostly young men, and gunmen occasionally responded. Hundreds of people have been injured, including members of the security forces and protesters.

Read: What is happening in Iraq?

Police and medical sources said Reuters The death toll of at least 44 included 18 people killed in the southern city of Nassiriya, 16 in the capital Baghdad, four in the southern city of Amara and four in Baquba, north of the capital. Other deaths were reported in two other southern cities, Hilla and Najaf.

Curfews were imposed in several cities. Authorities closed roads to the capital from the north and northeast and sent reinforcements to the densely populated east of Baghdad. Military convoys were sent to Nassiriya, the city most affected by violence.

Protesters in Baghdad gathered in the dark by a bonfire amid the burning remains of an armored vehicle, across the Tigris River from the government complex.

“They are firing live fire on the Iraqi people and the revolutionaries. We can cross the bridge and get them out of the Green Zone! ”A man shouted at Reuters TV.

“Abdul Mahdi, they will cross the bridge. You better quit. Give up. People demand the fall of the regime! "He shouted as the crowd behind him resumed a song that swept the Middle East during popular uprisings throughout the region in 2011:" People demand the regime's downfall! "

Rage

The riots, fueled by popular anger over low living standards and corruption, are Iraq's biggest security challenge since the defeat of the Islamic State militant group in 2017. It is also the first test for Abdul Mahdi, installed last year by Shia parties that have dominated Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The riots also occur on the eve of the Shiite pilgrimage of Arbaeen, which in recent years has attracted some 20 million faithful, walking for days on foot through southern Iraq at the world's largest annual meeting, ten times The size of Makkah Haj.

Pilgrims were already taking the roads on Friday, although in what appeared to be a smaller number than in recent years. Iran has closed one of the border crossings used by millions of pilgrims. Qatar has told its citizens to stay away.

The Iraqi capital was quieter early Friday before Muslim prayers, although police fired real ammunition again in the morning to disperse small crowds. An ongoing curfew, challenged by thousands of protesters on Thursday, saw the army and special forces unfold around the central squares and streets.

Iraqis expect large protests to arise later in the day, in the absence of a meaningful response from politicians who accuse of delaying Iraq's recovery from years of conflict through corruption and neglect.

Abdul Mahdi recognized public discontent in a nightly television message, insisting that politicians were aware of the suffering of the masses: "We do not live in ivory towers, we walk among you on the streets of Baghdad," he said.

He called for calm and the support of legislators to reorganize cabinet positions far from the influence of large parties and groups. He said the government would discuss a basic salary for poor families, but that there were no "magic solutions" available to fix the country.

Other politicians were waiting for a pronouncement from the most important Shiite clergy in Iraq, expected as part of Friday's sermons.

Protests could grow if they receive formal support from the opposition political bloc of the fire brand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who has long denounced corruption and the political elite.

Unexpected income

"The Sadristas support the protests by all means, but we would await the orders of our leader Sayyed Moqtada before taking to the streets," said Awad Awadi, a high-ranking sadistic politician. Reuters.

"The protesters are all young men who have lost hope in Abdul Mahdi's government," Awadi said. “This is a hunger revolution. Accusing them of being a tool is a blatant lie. "

Ahmed al-Kinani, a lawmaker from a party linked to a powerful militia backed by Iran, said most protesters simply demanded their rights, but a minority was using the demonstrations to attack security forces. His party was willing to do whatever it takes to calm the situation, including the acceptance of a reorganization of cabinet ministries.

Two years after the defeat of the militant movement of the Islamic State, Iraq has finally been at peace and free to trade during the first extended period since the 1970s. Oil production is at record levels, providing unexpected income for Baghdad. However, after decades of war and sanctions, infrastructure remains decrepit, cities are in ruins and there are few employment opportunities for a population of 40 million.

Protesters say political parties are diverting funds that firmly control power in Baghdad.

They clashed with security forces in mass demonstrations that began in Baghdad on Tuesday and spread to cities in the heart of southern Shia. Hundreds of people were injured when security forces opened fire to disperse the crowds, and protesters in some areas responded.