Global geopolitical Series: Tensions amplify as dozens killed in Iraqi protests

Protests against the government that began on 15th July have claimed the lives of at least 14 people with hundreds more injured. The protests erupted in southern and central Iraq with protestors burning the headquarters of Kataib Hezbollah in Najaf and also sacked the city's airport. Protestors in southern Iraq have blockaded the border with Kuwait and have also occupied several oilfields.

In response to the mass unrest, the Iraqi Army redeployed forces in the north that were engaging ISIL and the White Flags group to the south to counter the rise in unrest. According to reports by the country’s human rights council, 14 people were killed and 742 were injured, including 470 security forces.

According to the latest report, the protests have reached the capital city of Baghdad and some Iraqi officials are disobeying the orders of higher officials to engage with the protesters in al-Nasiriyah province.

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