Iraq: 104 killed in demonstrations since Oct.1

BAGHDAD

At least 104 people -- including civilians and security personnel -- were killed and 6,107 injured in anti-government protests in Iraq since Oct. 1, the country's Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

Some 51 public and private institutions, as well as eight party buildings were set on fire during the demonstrations, ministry spokesman Saad Maan told journalists in a news conference in the capital Baghdad.

Maan also said that two police checkpoints were set on fire during the protests.

The demonstrations in Baghdad and southern provinces against high unemployment and rampant corruption started on Oct. 1.

Protesters have been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi as well as improvements in living conditions and an end to corruption.

Discontent has been growing in Iraq in recent years due to rising unemployment and rampant corruption. Many in the country have limited access to basic services such as electricity and clean water, and unemployment is around 10%.

On Sunday, Iran announced it reopened Khosravi and Chazabeh border crossings with Iraq.

Citizens can use the Khosravi border crossing from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and it would be closed at night.

Earlier on Thursday, Brig. Gen. Qasem Rezaei, commander of Iranian border guards, had announced in a statement the closure of Khosravi and Chazabeh border crossings with Iraq Wednesday night due to the unrest.

* Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev