Basra protests: Iraqi government buildings burnt new troubles

Protesters attacked the government and other key buildings in the southern Iraqi city of Basra as thousands of people took to the streets again, angry at corruption and lack of services .

Crowds have invaded a state television building and fired at other sources, sources in the region told the BBC.

This is the fourth consecutive night of violent protests, but unrest has begun to be felt since July.

At least seven people were killed this week alone.

Iraqi politicians are struggling to form a functioning government following an inconclusive election in May.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi offered emergency funds, but protests continued.

The latest one occurred after the cancellation of a curfew ordered by the authorities of the capital Baghdad a few minutes before its entry into force.

"People protest and the government does not care, treats them like vandals," a 25-year-old protester told AFP.

Residents of the city are unhappy about the lack of basic services, including clean water and jobs.

Local residents say the government is corrupt and has allowed infrastructure to collapse virtually in the region that generates much of Iraq's oil wealth.