Curfew imposed in Basra, as violence engulfs southern Iraqi city

A curfew was imposed in Basra on Thursday night, as continued clashes and protests in the southern Iraqi city saw one person dead and 35 injured, officials said.

Basra's provincial headquarters’ were set alight and roads to the city blocked, as angry protesters continued demonstrations and clashed with police for the fourth day in a row.

Demonstrations began over poor government services, corruption and other issues such as unemployment this week, leading to several deaths following a week of violent confrontations between protesters and security forces.

"One person was killed and 35 were wounded; 24 civilians and 11 police officers," said health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr.

The person is believed to have died from burns, when a government building was set alight.

It brings the total killed since protests erupted on Monday to eight, with dozens of protesters and security forces killed in clashes.

Authorities imposed a curfew in the city on Thursday night in an an attempt to stem the protests and violence.

Read also: The Iraq Report - Basra's fury erupts anew as protesters killed

Other political buildings have been torched, including offices of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq Shia militia.

Buildings belonging to al-Iraqiya TV and the ruling Dawa Party were also attacked.

Iraq's main port was also closed, following unrest in Basra.

Security forces turned out in large numbers in the southern city on Thursday, according to Reuters, although numbers had fallen by night time and it is not clear if they are capable of quelling the protests. 

"We are still waiting for orders from the state's highest authorities," an Iraqi security official told the news agency.

Agencies contributed to this article.