4 protesters killed by security forces in Baghdad

Protests continued in Iraq yesterday as demonstrators set up checkpoints in Tahrir Square, while security and medical sources told Reuters that four protesters were killed in the capital after security forces used live ammunition to disperse demonstrators.

At least four protesters were killed and more than 35 wounded after security forces used live ammunition to disperse demonstrations, police and hospital sources in central Baghdad said.

The sources added that the clashes took place yesterday, near «Martyrs Bridge» in the Iraqi capital. Demonstrators in Baghdad cut three main bridges, and large numbers of protesters gathered at the Martyrs Bridge, and re-cut it, hours after it was opened. The demonstrators accused the authorities of firing sound bombs, to spread terror among the protesters, and prevent them from going to support the demonstrators in Tahrir Square and the rest of the squares.

The United Nations confirmed earlier that reports received by the Iraqi security forces continued to use live bullets against the demonstrators, which she said was "disturbing."

A statement by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the high number of deaths and injuries during the ongoing demonstrations in Iraq.

In the south of the country, Reuters quoted officials in the port of Umm Qasr in the province of Basra, saying that dozens of protesters closed the entrance to the port, just hours after the resumption of work there.

Earlier, port officials said work had returned to normal for the port, a week after its closure, due to protests, as security officials confirmed the resumption of work at the oil refinery in Nasiriyah, after the protesters leave. In another context, a source reported that the Court of Inquiry on Integrity Issues ordered the arrest of the former governor of Basra, Majid al-Nasrawi, and other staff in the Court of the province, on charges of corruption. The defendants were charged with "wasting public money and committing irregularities in the statements of the staff of the Basra provincial council and training courses," a court statement said.