Iraq protesters prevented from storming petrol facility

Security forces in Iraq’s southern Basra province prevented demonstrators from storming a major petroleum facility on Wednesday, according to a military source.

“A joint force stopped dozens of protesters from forcing their way into an oil station in the West Qurna 1 Oilfield,” Army Lieutenant Mohamed Khalaf told Anadolu Agency.

According to Khalaf, demonstrators blocked all the roads leading to the facility, prompting local security forces to intervene.

On Tuesday, Iraqi troops forcibly dispersed a days-long sit-in that was being held outside the same oilfield.

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Popular protests erupted in Iraq’s southern provinces last month and have since spread to capital Baghdad.

Demonstrators demand improved public services, more job opportunities and an end to perceived government corruption.