Bloody protests in Iraq, 26 dead

At least 26 people have been killed in Iraq on one of the bloodiest days since the start of antigovernmental protests last month, doctors and officials have announced, the BBC writes.

At least 20 people died when security forces opened fire to evacuate protesters from bridges in the southern town of Nasiriya.

Four other protesters died in Baghdad and two others in the town of Najaf, where Iranian consulates burned.

Iraqis have taken to the streets to look for more work, fighting corruption and better public services.

The Iraqi Army has announced it is creating military groups to eliminate the riots.

The military command said an emergency unit was set up to restore security and re-establish <x0.1>.

At least 350 people have died and thousands more have been injured since the riot began.