Five killed in Iraq 'day of rage'

Security forces have killed five people in northern Iraq as thousands of protesters rallied in cities across the country for a “day of rage”.

The capital was virtually locked down, with soldiers deployed across central Baghdad, searching protesters trying to enter Liberation Square and closing off the plaza and side streets with wire.

The heavy security presence reflected the concern of Iraqi officials that demonstrations could gain traction as they did in Egypt and Tunisia, then spiral out of control.

Iraqi army helicopters buzzed overhead, while trucks took up posts throughout the square, where a group of about 2,000 flag-waving demonstrators shouted “No to unemployment” and “No to the liar al-Maliki”, referring to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

The protests stretched from the northern city of Mosul to the southern city of Basra, reflecting the widespread anger many Iraqis feel at the government’s seeming inability to improve their lives.

Police in the city of Hawija, 150 miles north of Baghdad, said three demonstrators were killed and 15 people wounded after protesters tried to break into the city’s municipal building.

In Mosul, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the provincial council building, demanding jobs and better services, when guards opened fire, according to a police official.

Reports said two protesters were killed and five people wounded.