Shafaq News/ The United States has condemned the " horrific and heinous " use of force against demonstrators in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, while demanding an investigation into abuses against protesters.

"The use of excessive force during the weekend in Nasiriyah was appalling and heinous," said David Schenker, assistant secretary of state for the Middle East.

"We call on the Iraqi government to investigate and hold accountable those who are trying to brutally silence the peaceful demonstrators."

It’s worth mentioning that the Iraqi security forces opened fire on demonstrators who blocked a bridge and then gathered outside a police station in the southern city of Nassiriya, killing at least 29 people. Police and medical sources said dozens of others were wounded.

Iraqi forces have killed more than 400 people, mostly unarmed young protesters, since anti-government protests erupted on Oct. 1, and more than 12 security forces were also killed in the clashes.