Iraq: Protesters block entrance to Umm Qasr port, operations affected

Protesters have again blocked the entrance to the Umm Qasr commodities port near the city of Basrah, restricting employees and tankers to enter the port and thus bringing down the operations by 50%. According to reports, if the protesters do not stop blocking the entryway, port operations will come to a complete halt. The Umm Qasr port is Iraq's main gulf port as it receives large imports of grain, sugar and vegetable oil shipments that cater to a country largely dependent on imported food.

A protest to end 'corruption'

The commodities port were previously blocked from October 9 to November 9 with the operations starting from November 7 to November 9 before the entrance again being blocked by the protesters. According to a representative of the government, the blocking of the port entrance cost the country more than $6 billion during the first week of the protests.

Reportedly, more than 300 people have lost their lives since the mass protest that took place in the capital city of Baghdad and the southern part of Iraq and is considered to be one of the largest protests since the end of Saddam Hussein's reign in the year 2003.

Read: Iraqi Man Takes A Lion On A Leash To Ongoing Anti-government Demonstrations; WATCH

The October revolution

According to reports, 40 people were killed in Iraq during anti-government protests that eventually turned violent. Two of the 40 people were hit by a tear gas fired by the security forces in Baghdad and half of the people were killed after they were found forcibly trying to enter the offices of the militia groups and the Iraqi government. More than 2000 people suffered injuries in the protests.

The protests took place as people were demanding more jobs alongside better public services and an end to corruption in the country. Prime Minister, Abdel Abdul Mahdi said that violence of any kind will not be tolerated and had given his word that there would be a cabinet reshuffle and a series of reforms to acknowledge the protesters; demands but many people were not convinced with his promises.

Read: Iraqi Protesters Cheer For Victory Over Iran In Football Match

The protests started in the month of October in Baghdad and most of the people protesting were young and unemployed. According to reports, the protest spread to other towns after the police forces used live ammunition against the demonstrators.

Read: Iraq’s Protests Raise Question: Where Does The Oil Money Go?

Read: US Asks Iraq To Hold Early Elections, Halt Violence Against Protesters

(With inputs from agencies)