Iraqi security forces raided Tahrir Square, the main sit-in in Baghdad, and fired live bullets and tear gas at anti-government protesters, who sit there.

Protesters as they confront an attempt by security forces to storm Tahrir Square (Reuters)

This comes hours after the forces managed to storm the sit-in square in the city of Basra (in the south of the country) and burn the tents of the protesters in it.

The aftermath of the security forces storming the sit-in square in Basra (European)
After burning down the sit-in tents in Basra and the security forces stationed (European)

The clashes occurred after the authorities began removing concrete barriers near Tahrir Square and at least one major bridge over the Tigris River in Baghdad.


The security forces ’actions aim to break up the anti-government sit-ins and end months of popular protests to demand the removal of the ruling elite.

Burning tents, luggage and spread of tear gas after security forces attempted to storm Tahrir (European) Square



In Basra, in the south of the country, security sources said that security forces also raided the main anti-government sit-in during the night, and deployed heavily to prevent protesters from gathering there again.

Another side near Tahrir Square after the security forces attempted to storm it (European)


The sources added that the police arrested at least 16 protesters in Basra.

A scene near Tahrir Square today (European)

Protesters scrambled to confront the advance of security forces towards Tahrir Square (Reuters)

Tents and belongings of the protesters were destroyed after the security forces attempted to storm Tahrir Square (Reuters)

Another scene of the sit-in protesters near Tahrir Square (Reuters)