The fatalities took place according to hospital and security sources in clashes between protesters and security forces. An AFP correspondent reports on fire bursts fired from security forces behind concrete barricades.

Even in southern Iraq, there were unrest during Wednesday. In the evening, thick smoke rose from Iran's consulate in the city of Najaf after the building was set on fire by protesters. Keywords that "out with Iran" and "victory for Iraq" were scanned by the hundreds of protesters gathered at the building. Staff were evacuated from the consulate before the storm, police say.

More than 350 have been killed

Iran-backed parties and former militia groups dominate state institutions and the Iraqi parliament.

Earlier Wednesday, protesters blocked streets and burned tires, while schools and public institutions were closed the day after violent protests against the government.

More than 350 people have been killed and around 15,000 injured since the protests began in Iraq in early October. The demonstrations are aimed, among other things, at unemployment, corruption and a poorly managed public sector. The requirement is for the government to resign.