Iraq 'regrets' US closure of Basra consulate

AFP  |  Baghdad 

Iraq's foreign ministry voiced "regret" on Saturday over a US decision to shut its consulate in the southern city of which has been rocked by weeks of deadly protests.

"The ministry regrets the American decision to pull its staff out of Basra," a statement said.

ordered all but emergency staff to leave Basra, with consular duties to be taken over by the embassy in

He blamed Iranian militias for "indirect fire" against the The State Department also sent out a renewed advisory urging Americans not to travel to

has been at the centre of protests that broke out in the southern province in July before spreading to other parts of the country, as demonstrators railed against poor services and condemned corruption among government officials.

Protesters have set fire to several government buildings as well as headquarters of political parties and militias backed by Iran, which saw its consulate in burnt to the ground.

In in early September, assailants fired three mortar rounds into the Green Zone, a heavily fortified area which is home to the Iraqi parliament, government offices and the

The rare attack did not cause casualties or damage.

Neighbouring is the other major outside power present in Iraq, alongside bitter foe the which led the 2003 invasion that toppled veteran dictator

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, September 29 2018. 19:10 IST