By Ali Javad
BAGHDAD (AA) – Two rockets on Friday morning fell near the air-traffic control towers at Iraq’s Basra International Airport without causing casualties, according to an Iraqi security source.
“Two Katyusha rockets fell at dawn today [Friday] near the air-traffic control towers used for securing the Basra International Airport, ” a security officer at the airport told Anadolu Agency anonymously due to restrictions on speaking to media.
“The rocket attack did not cause any casualties, ” the source said, adding that the airport’s air-traffic control towers had been temporarily evacuated.
“But the situation has since returned to normal,” the source added.
Since July 9, Iraq’s Shia-majority southern and central provinces — especially Basra — have been rocked by popular protests which at one point spread to capital Baghdad.
Demonstrators demand improved public utilities, especially water and electricity; more employment opportunities; and an end to alleged government corruption.