The operational command in Iraqi Basra imposed a curfew in the province amid violent protests, local media reported on Friday citing a source in the command.
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 08th September, 2018) The operational command in Iraqi Basra imposed a curfew in the province amid violent protests, local media reported on Friday citing a source in the command.
Earlier in the day, protesters in Basra, which has been shaken by riots since the beginning of the week, set the local Iranian consulate on fire.
"Basra operational command imposed a curfew in the Basra province," the source said as quoted by Al Sumaria tv channel.
The source added that the curfew already took effect and would last until further notice.
The previous wave of protests in Basra broke out in June before spreading to other areas of southern Iraq. Discontent was sparked by problems with electricity and water supplies that were exacerbated by scorching heat this summer. The government had formed a special commission to deal with the demands, pledging to allocate some $17 million to fixing electricity and water supplies. The promise resulted in protests subsiding before reigniting on Monday.
