At least 55 injured after clashes in southern Iraq

At least 55 injured after clashes in southern Iraq

2011-02-17 06:24:19 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASSIT, IRAQ (BNO NEWS) -- At least 55 people on Wednesday were injured after they clashed with security forces in southern Iraq, the Aswat Al Iraq news agency reported.

Hundreds of people protested in front of the government buildings in Kut, the capital of Wassit province. The protesters called for improved services, especially health care, and ending officials' corruption.

However, the demonstration turned violent when some protesters attacked and damaged the Wassit council building and the governor's residence. Local security forces were deployed to control the situation.

The government buildings were attacked with rocks and many windows were broken. The information office was set on fire. Security forces fired shots into the air to disperse protesters.

Overall, at least 55 people were injured in the clashes and two of them are in critical condition. There were some reports that between one to three people were killed but the Wassit health department denied the rumors.

The Wassit Operations Command decided to impose a curfew and vehicle ban following the violent incidents. The curfew began at 4:00 p.m. local time and will continue in place until further notice.

Demonstrators said the protests will continue until the implementation of the judicial decision to sack Governor Latif al-Turfa and the Wassit Health Director.

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