The health and security officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Security forces regularly use live rounds and tear gas to disperse the demonstrations, leading to heavy casualties. Friday’s deadly attacks came hours after Washington slapped sanctions on the head of Asaib al-Haq, a powerful Iran-backed militia accused of being behind deadly sniping attacks on protesters. ADIraqi security forces were deployed to streets leading to the square by the early morning. Al-Sadr has supported the protests by sending his followers to Tahrir Square under the pretext of protecting them.

Source: Washington Post December 07, 2019 08:33 UTC