3 Iraqis killed in clashes with security forces

BAGHDAD

At least three Iraqi protesters have been killed in clashes between security forces and protesters in the capital Baghdad, according to country's top human-rights watchdog.

"Three protesters were killed and 44 others injured in the clashes that took place in al-Khilani Square on Sunday between the demonstrators and the security forces," said Fadhel al-Gharawi, head of Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights.

Security forces used gas bombs, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against protesters throwing stones and Molotov cocktails (bottle bomb) at the security forces.

Iraq has been roiled by mass protests since last October over poor living conditions and corruption, forcing Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to resign.

More than 500 people have been killed and 17,000 injured in the protests so far, according to the rights commission.

Meanwhile, some 25 militants belonging to the Daesh terrorist organization were killed in air raids by Iraq's anti-terror forces with the support of the international coalition in the Nineveh Governorate.

*Bassel Ibrahim contributed to this report from Ankara