Iran urges its citizens not to travel to Iraq

People gather to protest against unemployment, corruption and lack of public services in Baghdad, Iraq on 25 October 2019 [Murtadha Sudani/Anadolu Agency]

Iran yesterday warned its citizens against travelling to Iraq as anti-government protests escalate.

“Due to the ongoing escalation in Iraq, citizens and visitors are requested to delay their trips until further notice,” Mehr quoted a statement by the Iranian foreign ministry as saying.

Thousands of Iraqis have taken to the streets this week in a second wave of protests against a government and a political elite they say is corrupt and out of touch. The death toll, since a broader wave of unrest started on 1 October, is at least 250.

Iranians visit Iraq throughout the year to mark a number of religious occasions to visit Shia shrines.

READ: Iraqi protesters pack Baghdad square as anti-government movement gathers momentum

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