Although security forces, for the most part, used passive methods to dissuade protestors from gathering across Iraq, thousands of Iraqis overcame their fears in at least 10 cities. The protests, however, were smaller than last Friday’s, which turned deadly thanks to overzealous troops. As expected, reports of violence are scant; however, the full extent of last week’s protests was unclear until at least the following day. At least three Iraqis were killed and one more was wounded.
Two bodies, one belonging to a Peshmerga fighter, were discovered in Tuz Khormato.
A former deputy army officer was killed in a small arms attack in Baquba; two suspects were arrested.
In Khanaqin, no casualties were reported after a bomb blast at a tribal chieftain’s house. Two other bombs were found nearby and defused.
A vehicle ban is in effect in Basra, where about 1,000 protestors gathered. When troops dispersed the crowd, one protestor was wounded. Several journalists were arrested, and a Reuters reporter witnessed several journalists being beaten.
In Baghdad, hundreds of protestors made their way to Tahrir Square despite a vehicle curfew. City streets leading to the square are blocked by troops, who are conducting at least three checks on arriving demonstrators and telling them not to join the protests. Entrances to the Green Zone were closed.
Security forces in Mosul ordered about 200 protestors to return to their home, but there were about 3,000 protestors at the height of demonstrations. They also detained a Saudi man who was carrying explosives. A vehicle ban is in effect.
Friday prayers were banned in Samarra to prevent any demonstrations afterwards.
About 1,000 demonstrators gathered in Nasariya, even though no one was allowed to enter the city.
In Tikrit, demonstrators were prevented from marching. Four ex-army officers were arrested during a separate operation.
Protests occurred in Garma and Faw.
Vehicle bans or curfews were also in place in the cities of Kirkuk, Suleimaniya and in Missan Salah ad Din and Anbar provinces.
Karbala implemented a security plan for protestors.
