U.S. urges probe of 'excessive' use of force in Iraq

FILE PHOTO: Iraqi security forces are seen during the ongoing anti-government protests, in Baghdad, Iraq December 1, 2019. REUTERS/Wissm al-Okili

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Monday called recent violence in Nassiriya, Iraq in which at least 29 people died "shocking and abhorrent," calling on the Iraqi government to investigate and punish those responsible for the "excessive" use of force.

Iraqi security forces opened fire on demonstrators who had blocked a bridge and later gathered outside a police station in the southern city, killing at least 29 people. Police and medical sources said dozens more were wounded.