Iraqi military admits 'excessive force' used against protesters


Mina Aldroubi
  • English
  • Arabic

Iraq's military admitted on Monday that “excessive force” was used against anti-government protesters on Sunday night, killing dozens of people.

Iraq has been gripped with violent protests that killed more 100 people with over 6,000 injured since clashes erupted between security forces and protesters last week.

“Excessive force outside the rules of engagement was used and we have begun to hold accountable those commanding officers who carried out these wrong acts," the military said.

Iraqi authorities accused "saboteurs" and unidentified snipers of hitting protesters.

State media reported that 15 people were killed during Sunday night's clashes in Sadr city.

Videos circulated on social media showed protesters filling streets littered with burning tyres as the sound of a volley of gunfire and possibly heavy weapons are heard in the background.

The admission was the first time security forces acknowledged using disproportionate measures since protests broke out.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi had insisted they were acting "within international standards" in dealing with demonstrations.

The uprising against the government began with a demand for jobs and a crackdown on corruption. Now demonstrators are calling for justice for those killed in the protests.

A series of political moves by the government sparked a nationwide outcry last week, particularly the demotion of popular commander, Lt Gen Abdulwahab Al Saadi.

Reasons for his demotion were never fully explained and some at the demonstrations were protesting over his removal.

Iraqis largely credit Lt Gen Al Saadi with leading the fight against ISIS.

Mr Abdul Mahdi on Monday ordered the withdrawal of the military from Sadr city, east of Baghdad.

Federal police will replace army units in the southern city due to the “excessive use of force”, the military said.

“All security forces must adhere to the rules of engagement to protect protesters and combat riots."

The violence over the past week deepened the political and economic crisis with which Iraq has grappled since the US invasion in 2003.

Mr Abdul Mahdi had a call with the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and discussed the protests that have gripped the this week.

"The prime minister reviewed developments in the security situation and the return to normal life after the curfew was lifted, and confirmed that security forces had resumed control and stability had been restored," his office said.

It said Baghdad had put forward a package of reforms and would continue to provide more to meet the demands of the protesters.

Iraq's National Security Adviser Falah Al Fayyadh pledged to fight corruption and open an investigation into the deaths of protesters.

"We will not allow anyone to meddle with the security of our people," Mr Al Fayyadh said.

He said he knew who was behind the violence against protesters and the investigation would "prove that".

Mr Al Fayyadh said his forces would support action against corrupt institutions but not "the fall of the regime", a phrase that has featured in protest chants in recent days.

"Those who wanted to defame Iraq will be punished," he said, adding that his forces were "ready for any government order".

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday tweeted that "enemies" were trying to drive a wedge between Tehran and Baghdad.

"Iran and Iraq are two nations whose hearts and souls are tied together," Mr Khamenei said.

"Enemies seek to sow discord but they've failed and their conspiracy won't be effective."

Tehran urged its citizens planning to take part in a major pilgrimage in Iraq to delay their travel to the country.

In other developments, Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, arrived in Baghdad on Monday and met his Iraqi equivalent Mohamed Al Hakim.

Last month, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the talks would focus on the situation in Iraq, Syria, Iran and the Palestinian territories.

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKinetic%207%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rick%20Parish%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clean%20cooking%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Fighter profiles

Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)

Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.

Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)

Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.

Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)

Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.

Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)

One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.

Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)

Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.

Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)

Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.

 

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
DMZ facts
  • The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
  • It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
  • The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
  • It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
  • Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
  • Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
  • Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012. 
  • Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE fixtures:
Men

Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
MATCH INFO

Karnatake Tuskers 114-1 (10 ovs)

Charles 57, Amla 47

Bangla Tigers 117-5 (8.5 ovs)

Fletcher 40, Moores 28 no, Lamichhane 2-9

Bangla Tiger win by five wickets

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800