BAGHDAD - Iraqi security forces on Sunday set up checkpoints and manned them alongside unarmed members of a militia group, Iraqi police officials said, to protect anti-government protesters in central Baghdad plazas, two days after a deadly attack by unknown gunmen. At least 400 have died at the hands of security forces firing live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the demonstrations. Protesters largely blame Iran-backed militia groups for carrying out the attacks and decried inaction on the part of state security forces. In response to the escalation in violence, several checkpoints leading to Tahrir were established Sunday and jointly manned by security forces and Saraya Salam, Iraqi police officials said. Demonstrators feared the attacks would be followed by armed street fighting between their de-facto protectors, Saraya Salam, and Iran-backed militia groups whom they suspect carried out the attacks.

Source: thestar December 08, 2019 17:15 UTC