Iraq troops kill five protesters during Fallujah clash

The clashes erupted after the soldiers prevented people joining an anti-government demonstration in the mainly Sunni city after Friday prayers.

It is the first such confrontation with the army since huge protests against the government began five weeks ago in Baghdad and western Iraq.

They called for the resignation of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki.

Friday’s violence in Fallujah broke out after army units in the west of the city blocked off protesters who were heading towards the main demonstration.

The protesters retaliated by throwing bottles of water and stones at the troops, who then opened fire.

It was not immediately clear whether the soldiers fired directly into the crowd or into the air, the BBC’s correspondent  reports from Baghdad.

The demonstration in Fallujah was one of several held in other parts of the province of Anbar after Friday prayers.

The anti-government protests began in mid-December shortly after the arrest of several bodyguards of the Finance Minister Rafie al-Issawi.

But the campaign against Mr Maliki has since broadened.

The prime minister has urged both the security forces and demonstrators to show restraint, warning of “foreign agendas” seeking to push Iraq towards conflict.

M.D

You might also like
Latest news
Karla Quintana: We will cooperate intensively with Syria to uncover the fate of missing persons Al-Shaibani: Kurds in Syria add brilliance to the diversity of the Syrian people Syria expresses condolences to families of the victimes of fire in Kartalkaya Red Crescent in Quneitra provides healthcare and Psychological support to 33 prisoners released from... Ministry of Electricity, Qatari Red Crescent discuss cooperation to improve situation of electricity... Meeting with Turkish businessmen at Aleppo Chamber of Commerce Minister of Education discusses with a Norwegian delegation the educational situation in Syria Saudi Foreign Minister: The new Syrian administration has inherited heavy legacy Al-Shibani will represent Syria in "Davos 2025" Forum in Switzerland for the first time Idlib Electricity Company: We are working to restore electricity to the liberated areas in preparati... Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman: The coming period will witness great momentum in Qatari-Syrian re... Social Affairs Ministry Discusses Enhancing Cooperation with UNICEF A Kuwaiti aid plane arrives at Damascus International Airport UNHCR called for lifting sanctions imposed on Syria A Qatari aid plane arrives at Damascus International Airport Al-Dahhakh: Syria rejects Israeli military incursion into Syrian territories Statement by the New Administration of Syria congratulating President Donald J. Trump on his inaugur... Talks with WFP to Boost Humanitarian Support and Rehabilitate Syria's Food Infrastructure" Syrian-Qatari Talks to Develop Syria's Drinking Water Reality Guterres Advocates for Political Transition in Syria as Key to Increased International Support