U.S. Embassy in Baghdad condemns violence used against protesters in Nasiriyah, applauds efforts of Prime Minister Kadhimi to calm tensions

BAGHDAD — The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement regarding the demonstrations that took place in Nasiriyah city in Iraq’s Dhi Qar Province, condemning the violence used against protesters that has left dozens dead and over a hundred wounded.

The Embassy statement applauded the steps taken by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to calm tensions and peacefully solve the situation in Nasiriyah, noting that the steps taken so far were encouraging and that the victims and their families deserve adequate transparency.

Hundreds of civilians demonstrated in Tahrir Square in the center of the capital, Baghdad, in support of the Dhi Qar Province protests, prompting the Iraqi security forces to use sound bombs and batons in an attempt to break up the demonstration. Many demonstrators were reportedly injured as a result.