No break in south Iraq protests

BASRA - Demonstrations continued in Basra, Missan, and Dhi Qar provinces this week as protesters criticized security force tactics and a slow government response to complaints of unemployment and poor services.

The most volatile protests took place outside the gates of West Qurna 1 and West Qurna 2 oil fields, operated by ExxonMobil and Lukoil respectively, where protesters sporadically blocked roads and prevented employees from accessing the facility. Protesters at both fields, however, continue to keep the lines of communications open with government officials.