Riot police disperse Babil water protest, injuring four and arresting ten

BABIL — Riot police used force Thursday to break up a protest over water shortages in the Al-Majriyah area, south of central Hilla, injuring four demonstrators and arresting ten, according to eyewitnesses and a security source.

The demonstrators had gathered to protest severe drought conditions and the lack of drinking water, which residents say have devastated their farmland and livestock.

“The area is severely affected by water shortages. The rivers have completely dried up, and we no longer have drinking water,” protester Sabah Kareem told 964media. “The drought has destroyed our farmland and livestock, even though the village lies within Hilla’s administrative boundaries and is entitled to a water quota, which we are not receiving. We demonstrated as part of our legal rights guaranteed by the constitution, but were surprised by the security forces’ assault.”

A security source said the protest was dispersed because it lacked an official permit. “Every demonstration must follow legal procedures, including obtaining prior approval, so alternative roads can be arranged to avoid traffic congestion,” the source said.

Authorities added that demonstrators had blocked a main road, disrupting traffic, and were moved to side streets as security forces worked to reopen the route.

Southern Iraq continues to face worsening water shortages, driven by climate change, upstream damming, and poor management of existing resources. The United Nations has identified Iraq as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, including extreme heat, drought, and water scarcity.