Shafaq News/ A clash between security forces and protests in Dhi Qar province has risen, a security source said on Thursday.

The source told Shafaq News that the death toll among the demonstrators rose to 168, by 16 killed and 152 wounded.

He explained that the casualties were caused by security forces firing live bullets against the demonstrators.

An Iraqi police source said on Thursday that security forces had imposed a curfew in Nasiriyah city, the capital of Dhi Qar province.

Intense clashes erupted in the early hours of Thursday morning as security forces at al- Zaitoun Bridge in Nasiriyah fired live bullets at the protesters.