Iraq protests: 40 dead as mass unrest descends into violence

At least 40 people have died in Iraq during a fresh wave of anti-government protests that descended into violence.

Two of the dead were reportedly hit by tear gas canisters fired by security forces in the capital Baghdad.

Reports say half of the victims were killed while trying to storm the offices of militia groups and the government.Protesters are demanding more jobs, better public services and an end to corruption.

About 2,000 people were wounded in protests across the country, AFP quoted a security source as saying.

Similar protests earlier this month were brutally put down by security forces, leaving nearly 150 people dead.

A government report has acknowledged that authorities used excessive force in quelling that unrest.

Ahead of the latest protests, Iraq’s leading clerics and the United Nations issued calls for restraint.

A day earlier Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who took office a year ago on Friday, warned protesters that violence would not be tolerated.He has promised a cabinet reshuffle and a package of reforms to address protesters’ demands but many remain unconvinced.