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Protesters stomp a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the takeover and fire of the Iranian consulate in Basra, 550 km southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, September 7, 2018 Hundreds of protesters angry on the streets Thursday night. Some clashed with the security forces, threw Molotov cocktails and set fire to a government building and Shiite militia offices. At least three people were shot dead during clashes with security forces. (Nabil al-Jurani / Associated Press)
Unknown assailants fired three Katyusha rockets on Saturday at Basra airport in Iraq, an airport official said after a chaotic and violent night that saw hundreds of protesters burning tires on Iranian roads and highways.
The demonstrations in Basra are the most serious to shake the heart of the oil-rich southern Shiite country for years. Protesters call for an end to endemic corruption, rising unemployment and poor public services. They raged against neighboring Iran, accusing it of its disproportionate influence in the Iraqi political affairs of their misery.
The official said that it was not clear who was behind Saturday morning's attack on the Basra airport, which is also home to the US consulate. He stated that the attack took place around 8 am local time, and had not caused casualties or disrupted flights to or from the city. The manager requested anonymity, citing security concerns. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
A few hours earlier, protesters launched anti-Iranian slogans, including "Iran, Out!", Stormed the Iranian consulate and set fire to the interior. They also burned an Iranian flag and stomped on a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi condemned the attack, which he said caused significant damage to the building. He called for maximum punishment for the attackers.
Although the US government has disputes with Iran, the State Department criticized the attack, without explicitly mentioning Iran. "The United States condemns the violence against diplomats, including the one that took place today in Basra," the statement said.
Elsewhere in the city, protesters attempted to attack Iran-backed Shia militia headquarters Assaib Ahl Al-Haq, and guards stationed there opened fire. Angry protesters marched to the city's presidential palace, where Shiite paramilitary troops are stationed, and attempted to rape it. At least three cars driven by troops attacked protesters, killing one and injuring four others, according to a health official who requested anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the media.
Other demonstrators set main streets and highways on fire, ignoring a curfew imposed by the authorities.
More than 10 protesters have died in clashes with security forces since Monday, three of whom were shot dead by security forces on Thursday night as protesters threw Molotov cocktails and set fire to a government building and Shiite militia offices in the city. Many residents of the predominantly Shiite city accuse Iran-backed political parties of ingratiating themselves with Iraqi politics, and some see them as responsible for the city's mismanagement and poor services.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ordered an investigation into the violence, which shows no signs of slowing down.
The unrest in the south of the country comes in the context of a political crisis in Baghdad, exacerbating the general tensions in the country.
The new parliament elected earlier this week held its first session since the May national elections, but the meeting was adjourned due to disagreements, with both blocks claiming the most seats.
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, disseminated, rewritten or redistributed.
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