Iraq: Protests continue in Baghdad, southern provinces as of July 23 /update 5

Protests continue in Baghdad and southern Iraq as of July 23; at least 13 demonstrators killed and hundreds wounded
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Iraq: Rockets fired near Basra airport September 8 /update 14
Iraq: State of emergency declared in Basra as violence escalates Sep. 7 /update 13
Iraq: Protesters set fire to several buildings in Basra September 7 /update 12
Iraq: Protests shift to Iraq’s Umm Qasr commodities port in Basra September 6 /update 11
Iraq: Violent protests continue in Basra September 5 /update 10
Iraq: Second night of violent protests in Basra September 4 /update 9
Iraq: Demonstrations in Basra September 4 after death of protester /update 8
Iraq: Hundreds protest in Basra August 31 /update 7
Iraq: Protests continue in Basra province August 5 and 6 /update 6
Iraq: Protests continue in Basra and Baghdad July 20 /update 4
Iraq: Protests continue near Basra July 17 /update 3
Iraq: Deadly protests continue in south, causing flight disruptions in Najaf July 15 /update 2
Iraq: Flight disruptions at Najaf airport due to protests /update 1
Iraq: Demonstrators storm Najaf Airport July 13
Event
Protests ongoing in Baghdad and several southern Iraqi provinces have left at least 13 demonstrators dead and over 700 wounded as of Monday, July 23. Most injuries reported have been minor, and due to unarmed fighting and likely to tear gas inhalation. Hundreds of protesters have also been arrested over the past two weeks in the demonstrations; most of those arrested have since been released. Demonstrations have notably been held in Baghdad's Tahrir Square in recent days, in addition to parts of the provinces of Basra, Maysan, Muthanna, Dhi Qar, Najaf, Karbala, Babil, and Qadisiyah. Iraqi authorities have restricted access to the Internet across the country to suppress protest activity. Several regional airlines have also recently diverted or canceled flights to Najaf International Airport (NJF) due to concerns over continuing unrest.
Additional protests are expected in southern Iraq and Baghdad in the coming days. Further cuts to Internet and social media access are also to be anticipated nationwide in the near-term. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected near protest sites. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
The ongoing protests, focused in southern Iraq, have been organized to denounce corruption, unemployment, and the perceived inadequate provision of public services, such as water and electricity.
Advice
Individuals in Iraq are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. Travelers flying to or from NJF should contact their airline for additional information.
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
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