Iraq forms ‘crisis cells’ to quell unrest

Iraq is setting up military “crisis cells” to quell civil unrest which has left more than 300 people dead.

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been taking to the streets to demand more jobs and an end to corruption, and better public services.

The protests escalated after security personnel responded with deadly force.

Eight people were killed today in the southern city of Nasiriya as security forces opened fire to disperse a demonstration.

Demonstrators also accuse Iran of interfering in Iraq’s internal affairs and propping up the government.

A group of protesters set fire to Iran’s consulate in the city of Najaf on Wednesday.

Protesters chanted “Iran out of Iraq” as flames engulfed the building