Three More Demonstrators Killed in Iraqi Protests

The estimated death toll in Iraq’s country-wide anti-government protests has surpassed 350, with three demonstrators being killed on Tuesday in the holy city of Karbala. Authorities said two of the deaths were due to live fire late in the day, while the third person was killed earlier when struck in the head by a teargas cannister. The protests have been taking place since October 1, with widespread discontent over perceived corruption in government and among the country’s power elites. A recurring complaint among demonstrators is interference in Iraqi affairs by neighboring Iran. In addition, five people were reported killed in three separate explosions in Baghdad late Tuesday. It remains unclear whether the blasts were linked to the protests, as they took place far from areas where demonstrators have barricade three central bridges in a standoff with security forces. The capital city has seen several mysterious explosions in recent months that have been attributed to foreign powers ranging from Iran to Israel.