Iraqi forces deployed in Nasiriya after violence

Iraqi security forces were deployed on the streets of Nasiriya on Monday, following deadly weekend clashes in the city.Supporters of a firebrand Iraqi cleric shot dead five people on Saturday, according to medical officials, in overnight clashes with anti-government protesters in southern Iraq.

The anti-government demonstrators had attempted to block the path of a rally supporting Shiite Muslim leader Moqtada al-Sadr.Al-Sadr leads a powerful political bloc in Iraqi parliament. His supporters had called for a demonstration in support of his call for mass participation in next year's nationwide elections.

Anti-government protesters say they feel betrayed by what they say is al-Sadr's flip-flop approach toward them, especially in the last few months when he withdrew support for their movement.Last month, Iraqis marked one year since mass anti-government demonstrations swept the country.

(Image Credit: AP)