Deadly Iraq protests

In Iraq, at least 74 people were killed and at least 3,500 were wounded in violent antigovernment protests on Oct. 26 and 27. Before that weekend, protesters had enacted a 2-week break in order to allow the government to respond to their demands for reform. However, when demands were not met, they returned to the streets.

In the city of Karbala, at least 18 people were killed in clashes with security forces on Oct. 28 as protesters broke a curfew in that city. Protesters in Baghdad have regularly broken the curfew there as well.

On Nov. 3, protesters attempted to storm the Iranian consulate in Karbala, demanding that Iranian officials leave the country. At least three protesters were killed by security forces during the incident. Antigovernment protesters have claimed that Iran, which supports the current Iraqi government, has too much influence in Iraq.

Security forces reportedly opened fire on protesters with live ammunition in Baghdad on Nov. 4 as protests continued there.