At least 20 people have been killed in battle between protesters and security forces, according to ministry of defence.
Clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters in northern Iraq have left at least 20 people dead and dozens injured, officials said.
The clashes broke out early on Tuesday morning when security forces entered an open area in Hawijah, west of Kirkuk, where demonstrations have been held since January.
Iraq's ministry of defence said, in a statement, that 20 armed men were killed along with three army personnel - one officer and two soldiers - in the blasts.
The statement also said that the armed men used protesters as cover, and that the army has arrested 75 "fighters" and seized 40 rifles, plus grenades.
Sheikh Abdullah Sami al-Asi, a Sunni provincial official, said the fighting began when security forces entered the protest area in the town and tried to make arrests.
Bütün xəbərlər Facebook səhifəmizdə
USD
EUR
GBP
RUB