Iraqi protester killed, 7 injured in Baghdad

One protester was shot dead and seven others wounded in renewed violence between anti-government demonstrators and security forces in central Baghdad on Sunday (February 23), security and medical sources said.

Separately, Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Allawi received a call from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who congratulated him on his nomination and emphasized joint coordination between Iraq and the US as relations between the two countries soured after a Washington-directed attack Jan. 3 near Baghdad airport killed top Iranian general Qassem Solimani.

One protester was killed in Baghdad's central Khilani Square Sunday evening and at least six were wounded when security forces fired live rounds to disperse crowds, Iraqi security and medical officials said. The clashes occurred near the Sinak bridge, which was recently reopened by security forces after protesters had blocked access for months.

Protesters continue to occupy central Tahrir square and adjacent Jumhuriyah bridge, which leads to the fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq's government.

Over 500 people have been killed under fire from security forces since mass anti-government protests erupted in the capital and Iraq's south on Oct. 1. Thousands of Iraqis, mostly young people, took to the streets to decry government corruption, poor services and unemployment.

Based on AP, Reuters