Iraq PM vows full probe into killings, reshuffle

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi has promised a full probe into last week's violence that left more than 100 dead in anti-government protests, as calm returned ahead of three days of national mourning.

In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, Abdel Mahdi pledged a package of reforms and said his government would carry out a "thorough investigation" as well as pay compensation to the "martyrs", both civilians and members of the security forces killed in clashes.

He also said he would propose a government reshuffle on Thursday to parliament. With the return of normal life in Baghdad, traffic has again clogged the main roads of the sprawling city of nine million inhabitants.

The government announced three days of national mourning in the wake of the unrest.

On Tuesday, security restrictions were lifted around Baghdad's Green Zone, where government offices and embassies are based.

Iraq descended into violence last week as protests that began with demands for an end to rampant corruption and chronic unemployment escalated with calls for a complete overhaul of the political system.

The demonstrations were unprecedented because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a deeply politicised society.

Protesters were met with tear gas and live fire. On Sunday night, scenes of chaos engulfed Sadr City, the Baghdad stronghold of influential Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr, who called for the government to resign.

At least 13 demonstrators died in Sadr City, where the military recognised "excessive force outside the rules of engagement" had been used.

According to official figures, the week of violence in Baghdad and across southern Iraq killed more than 100 people, mostly protesters but including several police, with more than 6,000 others wounded.

Uncertainty over the identify of the perpetrators persists, with authorities blaming "unidentified snipers".

Amnesty International said Wednesday that the authorities' pledge to set up an investigation into the deaths was "already ringing hollow as protesters continue to be harassed and threatened into silence".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has condemned the violence.

During a call with Mahdi, Pompeo said "those who violated human rights should be held accountable", the State Department said in a statement.

"The secretary lamented the tragic loss of life over the past few days and urged the Iraqi government to exercise maximum restraint.

"Pompeo reiterated that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies, and emphasised that there is no place for violence in demonstrations, either by security forces or protesters."