3 Killed in Clashes Between Demonstrators in Southern Iraq

3 people were killed and 49 others were injured during clashes between anti-government protesters and supporters of Muqtada Al-Sadr in Southern Iraq.

A security source announced that 3 protesters were killed and dozens wounded in clashes that took place between supporters of Muqtada Al-Sadr and demonstrators in Al-Haboubi Square in the centre of Nasiriyah.

The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, continued that "followers of the Sadrist movement attacked, this afternoon, protesters 'gatherings in Al-Haboubi Square, and burned a number of the protesters' tents."

He pointed out that the supporters of the movement opened fire on the protesters with light rifles, used batons and sticks, and attacked civilian activists in the sit-in square in the centre of the governorate.

He continued, "At least one protester was killed and about 49 wounded as a result of the clashes, while supporters of the Sadrist movement began to gradually withdraw from the gathering places of the demonstrators."

Thousands of Muqtada Al-Sadr's supporters gathered in the Iraqi capital on Friday in a show of political power as the legislative elections scheduled for next June.

Despite the outbreak of Covid-19, tens of people set up rows of Friday prayers in Baghdad's Tahrir Square and the surrounding streets.

In a sermon delivered by a representative, Al-Sadr said, "Today we are obligated to defend (Iraq) under the dome of Parliament with a Sadrist majority who believes in reform."

Iraq is facing the worst financial crisis in decades following the collapse of oil prices earlier this year and due to the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 epidemic, and the government has been unable to pay the salaries of its employees on time.