BAGHDAD (AP) - The Latest on anti-government protests in Iraq (all times local):
12:40 a.m.
Iraqi security and hospital officials say one protester has died after clashes with security forces on a strategic bridge in central Baghdad, bringing the death toll following a day of violence to 8.
The officials say security forces hurled smoke bombs at demonstrators late Thursday on Sinak bridge, which leads to the fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq’s government.
Protesters have been occupying parts of Baghdad’s three main bridges - Sinak and Ahrar and Jumurhiya - leading to the Green Zone.
Security forces clashed with demonstrators on two separate occasions near the Ahrar bridge. At least 90 people were wounded in the day’s fighting.
Officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.
By Samya Kullab.
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5:30 p.m.
Iraqi officials say three protesters have been killed as heavy clashes erupt in central Baghdad, bringing the total death toll for the day to 7 following fighting earlier in the day.
Security and medical officials say three protesters were killed and 24 wounded on Baghdad’s Rasheed Street on Thursday late afternoon following heavy altercations with security forces who used tear gas, sound bombs and live rounds to disperse them.
The officials said two protesters were killed when tear gas canisters struck them and one was killed by live ammunition. The clashes took place near Ahrar Bridge, the officials say.
Four protesters were killed earlier in fighting near the bridge, bringing the day’s death toll to seven killed and over 70 wounded.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.
By Samya Kullab.
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11:30 a.m.
Iraqi officials say three anti-government protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces overnight in Baghdad.
The security and hospital officials said on Thursday that one protester was killed when security forces used live rounds to repel demonstrators from Ahrar Bridge.
The officials say the two other protesters were killed in clashes on the city’s Sinak Bridge, when security forces fired tear gas canisters to repel them.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.
Protesters have been occupying parts of Baghdad’s three main bridges - Sinak and Ahrar and Jumurhiya Bridg - leading to the heavily fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq’s government.
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