Iraqi forces kill 45 protesters after Iranian consulate torched

Iraqi demonstrators burn tires to block a street during ongoing anti-government protests in Najaf, Iraq November 28, 2019. REUTERS/Alaa al-Marjani

BAGHDAD/NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 45 protesters on Thursday after demonstrators stormed and torched an Iranian consulate overnight, in what could mark a turning point in the uprising against the Tehran-backed authorities.

At least 29 people died in the southern city of Nassiriya when troops opened fire on demonstrators who blocked a bridge before dawn on Thursday and later gathered outside a police station. Police and medical sources said dozens of others were wounded.