At least 18 people killed and hundreds injured as anti-government protests continue

Masked gunmen have opened fire on Iraqi protesters in the Shia holy city of Karbala, killing at least 18 people and wounding hundreds, security officials said, in one of the deadliest single attacks on protesters since anti-government demonstrations erupted earlier this month.

The attack, which happened overnight, came as Iraqis took to the streets for a fifth consecutive day, protesting against corruption, lack of services and other grievances.

Hundreds refuse to leave Tahrir square in Baghdad despite further deadly clashes with security forces

Hundreds of Iraqi protesters remained in Baghdad’s central Tahrir square on Sunday, defying a bloody crackdown that killed scores and an overnight raid by security forces seeking to disperse them.

Young men had erected barricades on a bridge leading to the capital’s fortified Green Zone between them and security forces who continued to lob tear gas canisters towards them.

Two people died in Baghdad on Friday and more than 350 people were injured as Iraqi security forces used teargas and stun grenades to repel crowds marching towards the capital's heavily fortified Green Zone, protesting against corruption and economic hardship. The authorities have struggled to address protesters' grievances since unrest erupted in Baghdad on 1 October, spreading to southern cities. Demonstrators blame corrupt officials and political elites for failing to improve their lives.

• Two killed and dozens injured in Baghdad amid protests sweeping Iraq