Iraq: Protesters set fire to several buildings in Basra September 7 /update 12

Protesters set fire to the Iranian consulate and other buildings in Basra on September 7; additional protests expected in the coming days
Read all related news alert(s):
Iraq: Protests in Basra on September 23 /update 17
Iraq: Protests to continue in Basra September 13 /update 16
Iraq: Curfew lifted after security forces deployed in Basra September 8 /update 15
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: 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 Baghdad, southern provinces as of July 23 /update 5
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
Protesters have set fire to several buildings in Basra on Friday, September 7, including the Iranian consulate, the provincial government building, and the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq group headquarters, among others. Violent unrest has escalated since Monday, September 3, as demonstrators continue to express their discontent with perceived poor government services and anger over the deaths of anti-government demonstrators. Clashes have been reported between protesters and security forces in recent days and it is estimated that at least ten people have been killed since Monday.
Additional protests are likely in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated around government buildings and near demonstration sites.
Context
Protests in Basra have left at least a dozen people dead and nearly 100 others wounded since September 1, according to Iraq's Independent High Commission for Human Rights. On September 6, local authorities revoked a city-wide curfew due to the police's inability to enforce it amid the widespread violence. Basra has witnessed a series of protests in recent months as residents denounce the government's perceived inadequate provision of public services.
Advice
Individuals in Iraq, and particularly those in Basra, are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
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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