Iraq: Protests over poor electricity supply impact some southern governorates in mid-July

As of July 14, protests against poor electricity supply have been reported in several southern governorates over the past 48 hours. In An Najaf Governorate, demonstrators gathered in Ghammas District near the district headquarters and along the Najaf to Diwaniyah road on July 13. On July 14, protesters gathered in the Al-Haidariya District. Elsewhere, the Najaf to Karbala route was blocked, and demonstrators gathered near the Haidariyah Electricity Department. Protests have also reportedly been ongoing in the Al-Qadisiyyah Governorate over the past 48 hours.

Further protests are possible in the coming days. Demonstrators are likely to gather along major roads, near government buildings, in city centers and outside utility provider headquarters. Security forces are likely to deploy to monitor gatherings and could use force to disperse protesters. Localized road travel delays are likely near all protest locations.