Iraqi security forces have raided Baghdad’s main protest site at Tahrir Square, firing live rounds and tear gas at anti-government demonstrators who have camped out there for months.
There were no immediate reports of casualties but at least seven people were wounded in clashes with police earlier in the day.
The clashes took place after authorities began removing concrete barriers near Tahrir Square and across at least one main bridge over the Tigris River in Baghdad.
In the southern city of Basra, security forces raided the main anti-government sit-in overnight and deployed in force to stop protesters gathering there again, security sources said.
Police arrested at least 16 protesters in Basra.
