In Iraq, protesters set on fire the Iranian consulate in the holy city of Najaf yesterday, in escalation of anti-government demonstrations that have left more than 350 people dead. AFP news agency reports that tall flames and thick clouds of smoke rose from the entrance of the consulate. The protesters broke into the building which had been apparently evacuated of its Iranian staff. Security units fired tear gas that wounded several dozen, but ultimately retreated as hundreds of people encircled the consulate and lit tyres, blankets, cardboard and other items.
Iran’s consulate in Karbala city was targeted earlier this month, and security forces defending the site, shot four demonstrators dead at the time.
According to medical and security sources, two protesters were shot dead in the capital, Baghdad yesterday.
