UPDATE - Iraq: Death toll from protests climbs to 19

UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL

By Arif Yusuf and Hamdi Yildiz

BAGHDAD (AA) - At least 19 people have been killed in anti-government protests across Iraq which began earlier this week, local media reported Thursday.

In remarks to Iraqi local media outlets, hospital sources said that the number of people who were killed during Wednesday protests has risen to 10.

They added that five people were killed in Maysan province' city of Amara, while five more were killed in the Dhi Qar's city of Nasiriyah.

This brings the number of deaths since the eruption of protests on Tuesday to 19, according to the same sources.

Scores of people including civilians were injured in demonstrations, they noted without giving an exact number.

In a related development, protesters and civil activists interviewed by Anadolu Agency said the government had partially suspended internet services in the country.

Since Tuesday, protests have broken out across several Iraqi governorates demanding improvement in living conditions and an end to corruption. Security forces have opened fire at protesters to disperse them causing mass casualties.

Iraqi authorities on Thursday imposed an indefinite curfew in Baghdad in a bid to quell the protests.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said the curfew will maintain public order and protect protesters from "infiltrators".

He added the armed forces will allow movement for humanitarian cases and travelers to and from Baghdad airport.

Police officer Ahmed Khalaf told Anadolu Agency that the armed forces have started deployment of armored vehicles to implement the curfew.