Masked gunmen attack protesters in Karbala

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Masked, Iraqi, protesters, gunmen, attack, protesters, Karbala, anti-government demonstrations

Baghdad - The overnight attack came as Iraqis took to the streets for a fifth straight day after a hiatus in the demonstrations.

By AP

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Published: Tue 29 Oct 2019, 9:00 PM

Last updated: Wed 19 Feb 2020, 1:45 PM

Masked gunmen opened fire at Iraqi protesters in Karbala on Tuesday, killing 18 people and wounding hundreds, security officials said, in one of the deadliest single attacks since anti-government demonstrations erupted earlier this month.
The overnight attack came as Iraqis took to the streets for a fifth straight day after a hiatus in the demonstrations that began earlier this month to protest government corruption, a lack of jobs and municipal services and other grievances. The earlier protests also saw violence against protesters, and a total of 240 people have been killed since the unrest began. But the bloodshed in Karbala could mark a turning point because of the high death toll and because the city is a major pilgrimage site.
There were differing accounts and death tolls, and details were still emerging from the scene.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack, and protesters said they did not know whether the masked men were riot police, special forces or Iran-linked militias.


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