Unrest in Iraq spreads
Basra : Iraqi police wielded batons and rubber hoses to disperse about 250 protesters gathered at the main entrance to the Zubair oilfield near Basra yesterday as unrest across southern cities over poor basic services gathered pace.
Since demonstrations began nine days ago, protesters have attacked government buildings, branches of political parties and powerful militias and stormed the international airport in the holy city of Najaf.
Tensions focused attention on the performance of Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi, who is seeking a second term after May 12 parliamentary elections tainted by allegations of fraud that prompted a recount.
In his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Abadi promised to work with protesters to fight corruption and said the government would improve services.
Officials and industry sources said the protests have not affected output at Zubair, run by Italy’s Eni, and the other major oilfields including Rumaila developed by BP and West Qurna 2 managed by Lukoil.
Many Iraqis believe their leaders do not share the country’s oil wealth. Some demonstrators said foreign laborers were robbing them of employment at oil companies.
Three protesters have been killed in clashes with police, including one at West Qurna 2, and dozens wounded. Dozens of policemen were also injured.
Related Posts