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Iraq reignites after ‘deadline’ expires and protesters killed

Protesters have once again turned out en masse in recent days across southern and central Iraq and tensions are flaring shortly after protesters were killed trying to push toward the Iranian Embassy on a Baghdad bridge Jan. 17.
An Iraqi demonstrator pulls a burning tire during ongoing anti-government protests in Basra, Iraq January 20, 2020. REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani - RC2LJE9YYT3G

BAGHDAD — Anti-government protests have once again heated up across the country, with reports of live ammunition being used by security forces after protesters blocked a highway bridge in the capital Jan. 19 and again Jan. 20 near the main protest square in the capital, where several protesters were killed.

Dozens had been injured in Baghdad and elsewhere by the end of the day Jan. 20 after a seven-day deadline issued by protesters in Nasiriyah expired and more were killed the following day.

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