Iraqi security and medical sources say six people died in Monday’s flare-up of anti-government protests, which began on October 1. Two of the dead were security officers. The unrest took place in the capital Baghdad and several other Iraqi cities. Three of the dead were killed in Baghdad’s Tayaran Square, two of them having been struck by live ammunition. The fourth protester died during unrest in the Shi’ite holy city of Karbala. The security officers were struck by a car in Basra when a motorist attempted to retreat from clashes. The protesters are seeking an end to corruption and outside influence in the country’s affairs, mostly by Iran, but also the United States, which assassinated a top Iranian general at Baghdad’s airport earlier this month. The protests tapered off after that attack and ensuing reprisals by Iran, but have begun picking up speed over the past few days. Demonstrators are also incensed by delays in the appointment of a new prime minister and formation of a new government after the resignation of Adel Abdul-Mahdi due to the protests. Abdul-Mahdi remains on as caretaker prime minister.
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