A young Iraqi takes cover between two concrete blocks during a demonstration against state corruption, failing public services, and unemployment, in the Iraqi capital Baghdad's central Khellani Square on October 4, 2019, as security forces members stand next to one of their vehicles in the background. - Iraqi security forces said "unidentified snipers" killed four people across the capital Baghdad, the fourth day of violent anti-government protests. (AFP)
Iraqi medical and security officials say 10 more protesters have been killed in the capital Baghdad, raising the death toll in four days of protests to 53.
The officials said nine people were killed Friday afternoon in Baghdad's central area of Gailani, near Tahrir Square where the protests in the capital have been concentrated.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, added that one person was also killed in Baghdad's southern neighborhood of Zaafaraniya.
The figure raises to 11 the number of people killed in Baghdad Friday.
The protests that began on Tuesday in Baghdad have spread to predominantly Shia southern provinces.
The spontaneous rallies have been spurred mostly by youths wanting jobs, improved services such as electricity and water, and an end to corruption.
Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces said "unidentified snipers" killed four people across the capital Baghdad on Friday, the fourth day of violent anti-government protests.
A statement said the four were two members of the security forces and two civilians, bringing the death toll since protests began on Tuesday to 44, including six security forces.
AFP journalists earlier reported hearing rapid automatic rifle fire and what sounded like sniper shots in several locations across central Baghdad in what appeared to be the most chaotic day of protests yet.
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