- Title: Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces hold protests after U.S. strikes on militia
- Date: 30th December 2019
- Summary: BASRA, IRAQ (DECEMBER 30, 2019) (REUTERS) PEOPLE STOMPING ON AMERICAN AND ISRAELI FLAGS AND CHANTING VARIOUS OF MEMBERS OF POPULAR MOBILISATION FORCES (PMF) BURNING AMERICAN AND ISRAELI FLAGS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PROTESTER, MOHAMMED ABDUL-KARIM, SAYING: ''We would like to tell the American troops: 'Whatever you bombed, whatever you killed, we will stay'. We are sons of Marjaiya (top Shiite cleric). We are steadfast defending our territories, sacred places and dignity.'' VARIOUS OF PMF MEMBERS MARCHING ALONG WITH TRIBAL SHEIKHS WOMAN CHANTING (Arabic): "NO, NO AMERICA" VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS CARRYING IRAQI FLAGS AND PMF BANNERS AND CHANTING (Arabic): "NO, NO AMERICA, ENEMY OF PEOPLE" VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS CHANTING (Arabic): "WE WANT FACE-TO-FACE (INTERACTION), NOT BY AIRCRAFTS" PROTESTERS CHANTING
- Embargoed: 13th January 2020 16:52
- Keywords: Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia Popular Mobilisation Forces protest air strikes on Iraq protesters burn Israeli and US flags
- Location: BASRA, IRAQ
- City: BASRA, IRAQ
- Country: Iraq
- Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace,Civil Unrest,Editors' Choice
- Reuters ID: LVA001BC643EV
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Hundreds of members of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces umbrella organisation of paramilitary groups held a protest in Basra on Monday (December 30) against U.S. air strikes against a militia group.
The U.S. military carried out air strikes on Sunday (December 29) against the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah in response to the killing of a U.S. civilian contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, officials said.
Iraqi security and militia sources said at least 25 militia fighters were killed and at least 55 wounded following three U.S. air strikes in Iraq.
In Monday's protest, demonstrators set to fire the American and Israeli flags. The PMF group is formally integrated into Iraq's armed forces.
Tensions have grown between Iraq's two main allies, Tehran and Washington, after President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed sanctions.
The air strikes come at a troubled time of protests in Iraq with thousands taking to the streets. The protesters have also condemned militias such as Kataib Hezbollah and their Iranian backers.
(Production: Mohammed A'ty, Mohammed Katfan) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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