NAJAF – Iraqi protesters torched the Iranian consulate in the holy city ofNajaf on Wednesday in a dramatic escalation of anti-governmentdemonstrations that have left more than 350 people dead.
Tall flames and thick clouds of smoke rose from the entrance of theconsulate in the southern city, AFP’s correspondent there said.
“Victory to Iraq!” and “Iran out!” protesters chanted, outraged at thecountry they blame for propping up a government they’ve been demonstratingagainst for nearly two months.
Iraq’s capital and its Shiite-majority south have been gripped by thelargest grassroots protests since the US-led invasion that toppled SaddamHussein in 2003.
The change of regime 16 years ago opened the door for Baghdad’s easternneighbour to develop tremendous economic, political and military sway, nowslammed by protesters as overreach.
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Iran’s consulate in Iraq’s second holy city of Karbala was targeted earlierthis month, and security forces defending the site shot four demonstratorsdead at the time.
In Najaf on Wednesday, units fired tear gas that wounded several dozen butultimately retreated as hundreds of people encircled the consulate and littyres, blankets, cardboard and other items, AFP’s correspondent said.-APP/AFP
