31 Oct

The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights says the death toll from major anti-government protests has reached over 250 this month.

Thousands of people held a rally in a central square in the capital, Baghdad, on Wednesday.

Anti-government protests started earlier this month, prompted by public frustration over the country's high unemployment and poor public services. They gained momentum and spread around the country last week.

Initially, demonstrations were staged mainly by young job-seekers. They have now attracted others who are demanding political reforms.

Together with clerical leaders calling for Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi's resignation, protesters have forced him into a difficult position only one year after his inauguration.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi Defense Ministry says rockets were fired at an area close to the US embassy in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone on Wednesday, killing one Iraqi security trooper. It is unknown who fired the rockets.

nhk