Eleven Iraqis were killed including a police officer during night protests on Wednesday, raising the death toll to 18 since the start of protests, according to Iraqi police, Reuters reported on Thursday.
Dozens were also injured in the protests which sparked two days ago in Baghdad and other cities, and a curfew has been imposed.
Security forces responded to protests with live ammunition and tear gas to disperse anti-government demonstrations.
Internet has been shut down in most of Iraq including the capital, according to the non-governmental organization NetBlocks, which monitors cybersecurity and internet governance. Social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp have been disabled, the observatory stated.
Thousands took to the streets on Tuesday to protest against unemployment, corruption, and the government’s failure in improving public services.
